Marian Aldaz Arechaga

Lecturer in Spanish

Biography

Background

 

Mrs Marian A. Aréchaga is a Lecturer in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies department where she teaches Spanish language courses at all levels. She was responsible of the development of all the Languages courses for Spanish 1st and 2nd Year and 4th Year, as well as Foundation courses, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. In addition, she has introduced a variety of cultural activities such as; organising workshops to promote Spanish Culture as well as academic courses. For several years she has directed the annual Spanish play and has participated actively in several cultural audio-visual projects with the collaboration of other universities across the UK and several organisations including Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Dance Base, Food and drink Scotland and Slow food Scotland.

 In 2013 she launched the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival curating the films and offering an educational programme for schools around UK.The school programme, delivered both online and in cinemas, has been a great success, with strong outreach and consistent attendance each year. It offers secondary school students the opportunity to watch films with subtitles, helping them appreciate the value of learning and engaging with foreign languages.Since 2024, ESFF has operated independently from the University, serving as a platform that provides hands-on experience and work placements for students and individuals seeking to build careers in the audiovisual field. In 2022 she developed and Option for 4 year students called Exhibiting Spanish cinema. This hands-on course explores the dynamic world of film festivals, equipping students with the essential skills to plan, manage, and execute live cultural events successfully.

"My favourite course, Exhibiting Spanish Cinema (2025–2026), taught by Marian Aldaz Arechaga, was fulfilling in a way that felt genuinely different from other modules. It fostered a collaborative and engaging classroom environment, allowing us to interact meaningfully as a group and build stronger connections with classmates. Rather than relying on traditional lecture formats or passive presentations, the teaching approach was refreshingly interactive, encouraging discussion, participation, and shared critical thinking. The course also highlighted the importance of including a diverse range of subjects within the degree, particularly modules focused on cinema, which offer alternative ways of engaging with language and culture. One of its most valuable aspects was its connection to real-world contexts: through links with film festivals and local events in Edinburgh, the course actively promoted Spanish language and culture beyond the university setting. Finally, I particularly appreciated the long-term project element, which allowed us to work consistently over the semester towards a final outcome we had personally invested in. This made the learning process more rewarding and gave a strong sense of achievement. I think it would be a loss to the deaprtment to lose such a course as it fufilled my fourth year studies in a way I cannot ever thank Marian for! It inspired me to be able to study Spanish and Cinema two of my favourite things and the only practical course I have taken this year. ".

Nominated Outstanding Course category for Exhibiting Spanish Cinema in the Students' Association's student-led Teaching Awards!

Qualifications

  • BA (Hons) in Hispanic Philology, Deusto University (San Sebastián, Spain).
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Language Teaching, Deusto University (San Sebastián, Spain).

Responsibilities & affiliations

  •   4 year and visiting students Cohort Lead 
  • Course Organiser, Exhibiting Spanish Cinema
  • Course Organiser, 4 year oral Spanish.

Undergraduate teaching

  • Spanish 1A
  • Spanish 4 
  • Exhibiting Spanish cinema

Project activity

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival (ESFF)

The Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival (ESFF) is an independent festival directed by Marian A. Aréchaga, Lecturer in Spanish , together with a team of academics from several universities and people who are passionate about film and committed to strengthening links with the Scottish community.

Founded to fill a gap in the city’s cultural calendar, ESFF was created as a platform for Hispanic cinema, supporting Spanish and Latin American filmmaking while establishing itself as Scotland’s leading reference point for the promotion of Spanish language and culture.

In 2026, ESFF will celebrate its 13th edition. The festival will continue to champion Spanish-language cinema through a carefully curated programme of films and events designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. ESFF places particular emphasis on supporting emerging directors and amplifying the voices of women in film.

Alongside its film programme, the festival offers a variety of parallel cultural activities that bring together cinema, language, and gastronomy. These include themed supper clubs, wine tastings, and other events that celebrate the rich connections between the Spanish-speaking world and its culinary traditions.

Through these activities, ESFF is committed to creating intercultural spaces within the vibrant landscape of Hispanic cinema. The festival nurtures new talent, promotes artistic excellence, encourages institutional collaboration, and strives to make its programme accessible to all.

Internships and volunteers opportunities

ESFF offers internship opportunities for anyone wishing to gain experience in the audiovisual and cultural sectors. We welcome the contribution of enthusiastic individuals who would like to be part of the festival and help us continue to grow. Interns have the opportunity to develop practical skills, work alongside experienced professionals, and contribute to a unique cultural project.

 

 

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