The Murcian huerta is a fertile landscape dotted with small corners of peace and tranquillity. Today we invite you to discover some of these natural oases, where the story of “Sorda” (2021) was inspired and filmed. Led by its directors, Eva Libertad and Nuria Muñoz-Ortín, from Murcia, we will visit the locations of the first short film shot in sign language to be nominated for the Goya Award for Best Fiction Short Film. Near Molina de Segura, Eva’s homeland, is where this Nexus Films production, winner of more than 50 festival awards, takes place. The collaboration and involvement of Región de Murcia Film Commission was a huge support to move the project forward.

“Sorda” and Molina de Segura, where silence is the protagonist

Our first recommendation is that if you haven’t seen “Sorda”, don’t hesitate to do so, as you will be captivated by the emotionality of the story it tells and the beauty of the natural environment in which it was filmed. After watching this short film, which deals with the experience of motherhood from the perspective of deafness, you will surely want to know more about the enchanting places where the plot unfolds. That’s why we suggest a route through the Vega del Segura that will show you a Murcia that you probably don’t know yet. The route we suggest will bring you closer to a more intimate and personal vision of this area, very much in line with the short film and based on the memories and feelings of the directors.

The sound of passing water, the song of a bird and a gentle breeze is all you will hear in the Soto de los Álamos, a haven of peace on the banks of the Segura River. This is one of the main settings for “Sorda”. By the way, a soto is a plain, on the banks of a river, populated by trees and bushes, and in this area there are plenty of them. That’s why we invite you to visit the nearby soto El Alborche and the soto de la Hijuela, two perfect hideaways to enjoy nature.

The soto El Alborche is one of the main settings for “Sorda” / Murcia Film Commission

The next stop on the route is the Lagunas de Campotejar, a small and not very well known place, where you will have access to a fascinating view of the wetlands. It is also a good place to observe the local fauna, especially the birds that inhabit it. Next, we invite you to take a short walk along the well-known Via Verde that leads to Molina de Segura. You will pass by the old abandoned railway station and, on the way to the tunnel, you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the arid, eroded landscape, which is very common in this area.

The calm of the Los Alamos woodland inspired the plot of “Sorda” / Murcia Film Commission

Continue your tour in Molina de Segura, making a first stop at the Rambla de los Calderones, a place often used for filming. Next, we go to the Ermita de San Roque, a personal proposal by Eva Libertad, who preserves many childhood memories from there. Another special place is the library, where the director spent hours reading when she was a child. The last place to visit in the city is the castle quarter, although few traces remain of what it once was. The contrast between the modernly designed metal beaconing that leads to the upper part, where what remains of the old building is located, is striking.

Nuria Muñoz and Eva Libertad on location for Sorda / Murcia Film Commission

If while strolling through the town you have noticed some chimneys, you should know that Molina de Segura has an industrial past linked to canning. These types of businesses are the last vestiges of another era, which today form part of the local tourist attractions. Perhaps the most famous is the Chimenea Maximino Moreno, so it is worth adding this extra stop to your route.

A stone’s throw from Murcia city

Less than half an hour from the sets of “Sorda”, the city of Murcia awaits you, an essential stop on your trip to this autonomous region. And if screen tourism has brought you to Molina de Segura, the capital has several surprises in store for you. The city is known for its cultural and historical heritage, as well as for its gastronomy, which is committed to the consumption of top-quality, top-quality, km.0 products.

The Segura flows through the city and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city centre / Murcia Film Commission

You can start your visit with one of its most important landmarks, the Cathedral of Murcia, a work of architectural art in every possible style, consecrated in the 15th century. It is truly beautiful and, as well as housing the remains of Alfonso X the Wise, it has one of the highest bell towers in Spain. It is accessible to visitors and offers unique views from the top of the tower. Also, once inside the church, don’t miss the chain that envelops the chapel of Los Vélez, a true work of art in itself. Finally, bear in mind that this visit places you in front of Cardenal Belluga square, which is the historic centre of the city and where you will also find the Episcopal Palace and Murcia City Hall.

After so much spirituality, you’d better take a stroll through the old quarter, where we recommend a stop at the Real Casino de Murcia. It is a beautiful historic building from the 19th century, which was a meeting point for the aristocracy of the time. It is not only known for being one of the main attractions of the city, but also for having hosted several episodes of the famous series “El Ministerio del Tiempo” by RTVE and Netflix.

The Casino is such a unique building that it can be used as a set for many productions / Murcia Film Commission

To complete your visit, we recommend a stroll along the riverbank, as well as the Floridablanca Garden, the first public park in Spain, dating from the mid-19th century. Don’t miss out on the local gastronomy either. The area around the cathedral, the Plaza de Las Flores square and the Barrio del Carmen neighbourhood are ideal places for delicious tapas.

As you can see, the region of Murcia has a lot to offer, beyond its well-known and beautiful coastline. That’s why we encourage you to experience first-hand this screen tourism experience that will allow you to rediscover it. Take a closer look at its interior with the short film “Sorda” and take the opportunity to visit its capital city. You won’t regret it!

By Víctor Cervelló