Biography
Carlos Atanes (Barcelona, 1971) is a Spanish filmmaker, writer and playwright whose work occupies a singular place in European underground cinema. Since the late 1980s, he has built a distinctive artistic universe that combines science fiction, fantasy, surrealism and philosophical inquiry, becoming one of the most recognisable cult auteurs of contemporary Spanish cinema. Among his most acclaimed works are the dystopian science-fiction films "FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions" and "Proxima", as well as the surreal and deeply underground "Maximum Shame" and "Gallino, the Chicken System", which established him as one of the most uncompromising voices in contemporary European cult cinema. His films have often provoked strongly divided reactions, being celebrated by admirers for their originality and audacity while dismissed by detractors as deliberately provocative and inaccessible. Works such as "The Metamorphosis of Franz Kafka" and "Perdurabo (Where is Aleister Crowley?)" reveal his enduring interest in literature and esotericism, while "Báthory" (2026) sees him moving further into experimental cinema through a more abstract and formally daring approach. Throughout his career, Atanes has remained fiercely independent, building a body of work distinguished by its originality, intellectual ambition and complete artistic freedom.
Directed 19
2020s
- 2026
Báthory
Director
- 2025
Autofocus
Director
- 2024
Alter Ego Film Project
Director
2010s
- 2018
Romance bizarro
Director
- 2013
Necrofilia fina
Director
- 2012
Gallino, the Chicken System
Director
- 2010
Maximum Shame
Director
2000s
- 2009
Scream Queen
Director
- 2007
Codex Atanicus
Director
- 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Director
- 2003
PERDURABO (Where is Aleister Crowley?)
Director
1990s
- 1999
Welcome to Spain
Director
The Seven Hills of Rome
Director
- 1997
Borneo
Director
- 1996
Morfing
Director
- 1995
Metaminds & Metabodies
Director
- 1993
El Tenor Mental
Director
- 1991
The Marvellous World of the Cucu Bird
Director
Wrote 17
2020s
- 2025
Autofocus
Writer
- 2024
Alter Ego Film Project
Writer
2010s
- 2018
Romance bizarro
Writer
- 2013
Necrofilia fina
Writer
- 2012
Gallino, the Chicken System
Writer
- 2010
Maximum Shame
Writer
2000s
- 2009
Scream Queen
Writer
- 2007
Codex Atanicus
Writer
- 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Writer
- 2003
PERDURABO (Where is Aleister Crowley?)
Writer
1990s
- 1999
Welcome to Spain
Writer
The Seven Hills of Rome
Writer
- 1997
Borneo
Writer
- 1996
Morfing
Writer
- 1995
Metaminds & Metabodies
Writer
- 1991
The Marvellous World of the Cucu Bird
Writer
Produced 12
2020s
- 2026
Báthory
Producer
- 2024
Alter Ego Film Project
Executive Producer, Casting, Producer
- 2023
Scrying Session #1
Executive Producer
Les Fées Vertes
Executive Producer
Anna’s Film
Executive Producer
2010s
- 2013
Necrofilia fina
Producer
- 2010
Maximum Shame
Producer
2000s
- 2009
Scream Queen
Producer
- 2007
Codex Atanicus
Producer
- 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Producer
1990s
- 1996
Morfing
Executive Producer
- 1991
The Marvellous World of the Cucu Bird
Co-Producer
Edited 8
2020s
- 2026
Báthory
Editor
- 2024
Alter Ego Film Project
Editor
2010s
- 2018
Romance bizarro
Editor
- 2012
Gallino, the Chicken System
Editor
- 2010
Maximum Shame
Editor
2000s
- 2009
Scream Queen
Editor
- 2007
1990s
- 1991
The Marvellous World of the Cucu Bird
Editor
Other crew 3
2020s
- 2026
Báthory
Cinematography
- 2024
Alter Ego Film Project
Cinematography
2000s
- 2009
Scream Queen
Cinematography
Sound 3
2020s
- 2026
Báthory
Music
- 2024
Alter Ego Film Project
Music
2000s
- 2007
Codex Atanicus
Music
Visual effects 1
2010s
- 2012
Gallino, the Chicken System
Visual Effects
Art department 1
2020s
- 2024
Alter Ego Film Project
Production Design
Appearances3
1990s
- 1999
The Seven Hills of Rome
Narrator
- 1996
Morfing
Self
No release date
Fils de Punk
Self