The Endless Trench, also known as La Trinchera Infinita in Spanish, is a Spanish-language historical drama directed by Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño, and Jose Mari Goenaga. The film is based on the true story of Higinio and Rosa, two Basque villagers who were forced to hide in a small hole under their house for over three decades during Francisco Franco's regime in Spain.
The movie begins in 1936, on the eve of the Spanish Civil War. Higinio, a local laborer, is accused of being a member of the banned Basque separatist group ETA and is forced to go into hiding to avoid being arrested. With the help of his wife Rosa, they dig a hole under their home and begin living in secrecy. They have no idea how long they will have to stay hidden, but as the years go by, they resign themselves to the fact that they may never be able to leave their underground prison.
Throughout the film, Higinio and Rosa's relationship is tested by their long confinement. They must face constant uncertainty, hunger, and sickness, all while staying hidden from the outside world. As the years go by, they begin to lose touch with reality and their sense of time, leading to moments of confusion and despair.
The Endless Trench is a powerful portrayal of the human cost of political oppression and the resilience of the human spirit. The film was selected as the Spanish entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards.