Black Is Beltza

Behind the Scenes of Black Is Beltza: Fermin Muguruza’s Animated Political Passion Project

Fermin Muguruza’s Black Is Beltza (2018) isn’t just an animated film—it’s a labor of love from a director who’s spent decades blending art with activism. Best known as the frontman of Basque punk and ska bands like Kortatu and Negu Gorriak, Muguruza brought his rebellious spirit to the big screen with this 88-minute adventure, which fuses history, politics, and animation in a way few films dare. But what went into making this unique project? latestnetflix.com's read is that here’s what we know from the limited but revealing evidence.

From Music to Movies: Muguruza’s Unconventional Path

Muguruza’s transition from music to filmmaking isn’t entirely surprising given his background. As a musician, he’s long been a vocal advocate for Basque independence and leftist causes, using his platform to challenge authority . Black Is Beltza marks his directorial debut in animation, but it’s clear he didn’t leave his punk roots behind. The film’s soundtrack, featuring collaborations with artists like Chalart58, carries the same raw energy as his music, blending ska, dub, and electronic influences . While the evidence doesn’t detail how Muguruza landed on animation specifically, it’s easy to see why he chose the medium—it allowed him to craft a visually striking narrative that mirrors his musical style: bold, unapologetic, and steeped in political undertones.

A Star-Studded Cast, But Who’s Really Behind the Voices?

The film boasts an impressive international cast, including Unax Ugalde, Isaach de Bankolé, and Maria de Medeiros, but the evidence doesn’t clarify whether these actors recorded their lines together or even met during production . Given the film’s low-budget indie roots, it’s likely that voice work was done separately, with Muguruza overseeing the process remotely. One standout detail: the inclusion of Angelo Moore, frontman of the ska-punk band Fishbone, suggests Muguruza’s musical connections played a role in casting . However, there’s no confirmation on whether Moore’s involvement was a favor, a paid gig, or a creative collaboration.

The Making of a Cult Favorite: Challenges and Reception

Black Is Beltza didn’t exactly set the box office on fire, but it earned a cult following for its ambitious storytelling. The film’s 6/10 rating on SensCritique reflects a divided audience—some praised its bold political themes, while others found its pacing or animation style uneven . The evidence doesn’t reveal much about the production’s struggles, but given Muguruza’s indie roots, it’s safe to assume budget constraints were a factor. The film’s sequel, Black Is Beltza II: Ainhoa (2022), suggests the first installment had enough traction to warrant a follow-up, though its slightly higher rating (6.1/10) doesn’t indicate a massive leap in quality .

One intriguing tidbit: the film’s origins trace back to a graphic novel by Harkaitz Cano, which Muguruza adapted for the screen . This explains the movie’s comic-book aesthetic, though the evidence doesn’t specify how closely the film follows the source material. Rumor (unconfirmed) suggests Muguruza took creative liberties to align the story with his political views, but without more details, this remains speculative.

The Bottom Line: A Film Born from Passion, Not Profit

Black Is Beltza is the kind of project that could only exist because someone cared deeply about its message. Muguruza’s background as an activist-musician-turned-filmmaker shines through in every frame, from the soundtrack to the casting choices. While the evidence doesn’t reveal juicy behind-the-scenes drama or A-list egos clashing, it’s clear this wasn’t a typical Hollywood production. Instead, it’s a scrappy, politically charged labor of love—one that resonates with fans of Muguruza’s music and those who appreciate art with a rebellious streak.