Richard Zubelzu and Magda Calabrese’s Documentary Stories
For the past few years, Spanish filmmaker Richard Zubelzu has contributed his work and experience to Photojournalism Hub, sharing a commitment to documentary storytelling that places human rights, social justice and underrepresented communities at the centre of visual narratives. His collaboration with the Hub reflects a shared belief in the power of documentary filmmaking to create dialogue, challenge perceptions and amplify voices that are often overlooked.
Through its programme of exhibitions, screenings and educational initiatives, Photojournalism Hub supports documentary practitioners whose work explores social issues, challenges dominant narratives and creates space for diverse perspectives. By creating spaces for documentary photography and film, the Hub aims to connect audiences with stories that explore human experiences and communities whose perspectives are too often absent from mainstream narratives.
Together with producer and screenwriter Magda Calabrese, Richard has developed an extensive body of documentary work exploring themes including human rights, social justice, equality and the experiences of marginalised communities. Their films use personal stories to examine wider social questions and invite audiences to reflect on some of the challenges facing society today.
Through their independent production company, Objetivo Family Films, they continue to bring these stories to audiences around the world. Their documentaries are also available to viewers in the United Kingdom through Prime Video, making their socially engaged storytelling accessible to a wider audience. Rather than simply documenting events, their films explore the human experiences behind wider social and political issues. By focusing on individuals and communities whose stories often remain absent from mainstream media, their documentaries encourage audiences to reflect on resilience, identity, justice and social change.
“We believe documentaries can build bridges between cultures and help audiences understand realities beyond their own borders. Our goal is to tell stories that inspire reflection, dialogue and greater awareness of the challenges and achievements of people around the world,” say Zubelzu and Calabrese.
Their work reflects the belief that documentary filmmaking is more than recording events, it is a powerful means of fostering understanding, encouraging empathy and inspiring meaningful conversations across cultures.
Featured Documentaries by Richard Zubelzu and Magda Calabrese available in the UK via Prime Video:
Offside
A compelling documentary exploring why so few openly gay male footballers compete at the highest levels of professional football. Through interviews with players, journalists, campaigners and figures from across the football world, the film examines the cultural pressures, discrimination and fear of exposure that continue to shape the experiences of LGBTQ+ players, while questioning what still needs to change for the sport to become truly inclusive.
Reinosa 1987: The Price of Industrial Restructuring
A documentary examining the social consequences of industrial restructuring in Spain during the 1980s and the struggle of workers defending their communities and livelihoods.
Homophobia of State
An international human rights documentary investigating discrimination and persecution against LGBTQ+ communities in countries where sexual diversity continues to face legal and institutional repression.
The Battle of the Wind
A reflection on territory, rural life, sustainability, and the relationship between people and their environment.
Argüeso Castle: Culture, Tradition and Modernity
An exploration of Spanish cultural heritage through one of the most emblematic historical sites in northern Spain.
Saudade In this short documentary film, Zubelzu and Calabrese want to bring to the life story of Benita Navacerrada, daughter of Facundo Navacerrada Perdiguero, founder of the UGT in San Sebastián de los Reyes in 1936, who was shot against the walls of the Colmenar Viejo cemetery on May 24, 1939. This parish cemetery is where the second phase of exhumations of the mass graves of victims of Francoist repression has recently begun. This is the first exhumation of a civilian mass grave in the Community of Madrid, and where 91-year-old Benita patiently waits, day after day, for her father to appear. Watch on Prime Video
About the Filmmakers
Richard Zubelzu is a Spanish filmmaker, director and documentary producer whose work explores human rights, social justice, historical memory, cultural heritage and environmental issues. Through independent documentary filmmaking, he focuses on stories and communities often absent from mainstream narratives, using film as a tool for dialogue, awareness and social reflection. His documentaries have reached international audiences through festivals, cultural institutions and streaming platforms, including Prime Video.
Magda Calabrese is a producer, screenwriter and documentary filmmaker whose work focuses on socially engaged storytelling and projects exploring equality, migration, historical memory, environmental issues, cultural identity and human rights. Through research-driven productions, she works to bring complex social issues to wider audiences and amplify perspectives that deserve greater visibility.
Together, Richard Zubelzu and Magda Calabrese are the founders of Objetivo Family Films, an independent European production company dedicated to documentary storytelling with social purpose. Their films combine investigative research and human-centred narratives to explore contemporary challenges and encourage dialogue across cultures. Watch Richard Zubelzu and Magda Calabrese’s documentaries
Richard Zubelzu and Magda Calabrese’s documentaries demonstrate the power of film to explore complex social issues through human stories. Their work reflects the belief shared by Photojournalism Hub that visual storytelling can create empathy, challenge perceptions and contribute to meaningful conversations around justice and equality. Discover more documentary photography, film screenings and storytelling projects from Photojournalism Hub through our upcoming events and programmes.
All Credits photos and videos © Richard Zubelzu, © magda.calabrese
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