Catalonia has launched an unusual video project that has already sparked a strong response from viewers and listeners. The SER Catalunya radio theater, titled “Els nous altres catalans,” is now available not only in audio format but also as a video version. The focus is on the stories of migrants who are shaping the region’s identity today. The creators set out to give a voice to those who are usually left behind the scenes, and to show how Catalonia is changing thanks to its new residents.
The main character is Iman Raissali, an artist and psychologist born in Morocco. She admits that the question “Where are you from?” has followed her throughout her life. Despite years spent in Catalonia, she is still searching for the answer: “I feel Catalan. But have I truly become one?” Through her personal journey, viewers are immersed in reflections on self-identity, belonging, and finding one’s place in society.
Voices of Change
The project’s creators emphasize that their goal is to counter the growing wave of xenophobia and to offer an opportunity to hear the real stories of people who came to Catalonia seeking a better life. According to Iu Andres, head of content at SER Catalunya, it is important not only to talk about the difficulties migrants face, but also to show how they become part of the local community and contribute to the region’s culture and economy.
The video version of the radio play weaves together personal stories and memories. The project draws inspiration from Paco Candel’s book “Els altres catalans,” which more than fifty years ago depicted the lives of migrants from Murcia and Andalusia. Today’s protagonists come from Senegal, Peru, Gaza, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Argentina, and other countries. Their stories intertwine with recollections of the past, creating a polyphonic portrait of contemporary Catalonia.
Notable participants
The project featured not only ordinary residents but also public figures from government, culture, and sports. Among them are the President of the Generalitat Salvador Illa, Parliament Speaker Josep Rull, Minister Ernest Urtasun, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni, former President Pere Aragonès, as well as Police Director Josep Lluís Trapero. Footballers, actors, musicians, writers, chefs, and other prominent figures also took part.
A special role in the project belongs to Maria Candel, daughter of the original book’s author, who supported the initiative and voiced one of the parts. Journalists from SER Catalunya, including Àngels Barceló, Carles Francino, José Luis Sastre, and others also participated in this large-scale project.
New Catalonia
A total of 40 people representing different sectors took part in the recording. Each shares their perspective on what it means to be Catalan today. The video version of the radio play is now available on the SER Catalunya website and platforms, where it can be watched together with the original audio.
The project “Els nous altres catalans” is an attempt to rethink the concept of identity and demonstrate that modern Catalonia is a land of many stories, cultures, and destinies. The creators hope their work will break down stereotypes and help make society more open to change.
You can learn more about this topic in our previous report, which covered the launch of the radio drama and listeners’ initial reactions. In the article “Voices of the New Catalonia: the SER Catalunya radio drama about migration and change” personal stories of the participants are described in detail, as well as how migration has transformed Catalonia over recent decades.
