Neanderthal (2001)

The documentary Neanderthal, released in 2001, delves into the enduring prehistoric enigma surrounding the rise and fall of the Neanderthal—a remarkable hominid species that once roamed the Earth. These highly evolved creatures left an indelible mark on our planet, using tools, creating musical instruments, and even conducting intimate burial ceremonies for their dead.

Set against the backdrop of the southwest of France 35,000 years ago, the film employs cinematic re-creations to vividly reconstruct life in the Neanderthal world. As the Cro-Magnons—their homosapiens counterparts—begin to emerge, the Neanderthals face competition for survival. The documentary explores their existence, shedding light on their cultural practices, social structures, and interactions with the environment.

Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical architecture in Barcelona, the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in northwestern Spain, and the romantic Spanish city of Segovia—with its well-preserved Roman aqueduct—are just a few glimpses into the Neanderthal’s world. These ancient beings, with their rich history and mysterious demise, continue to captivate our imagination, inviting us to ponder the intricate tapestry of human evolution and our shared past.