On November 10, the Spanish Cultural Center – Embassy of Spain in the U.S. capital will host, at 6:30 p.m., the U.S. premiere of "The Ambassador Who Changed History," a documentary about Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, the 10th Count of Aranda, and his decisive involvement in the independence of the thirteen North American colonies.
The 10th Count of Aranda was also a complex figure. His intelligence and determination coexisted with an authoritarian character and numerous political conflicts. The documentary explores these contradictions and revisits some historical interpretations of the figure, including the authenticity of the so-called "Secret Memorandum of the Count of Aranda," which is questioned in the research featured in the film.
To reconstruct Aranda's career, the film brings together fourteen experts, including Alfonso Martínez de Irujo and Fitz-James Stuart, Duke of Híjar and 20th Count of Aranda; Larrie D. Ferreiro, a Pulitzer Prize for History finalist; José Antonio Escudero, a member of the Royal Academy of History; Vincent Haegelé, director of the Libraries of Versailles; Thomas E. Chávez, a historian at the University of New Mexico; and Elizabeth Wise, Spain representative for the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Directed and written by Mirella R. Abrisqueta, the documentary visits historic locations in Washington, Philadelphia, Paris, Versailles, Madrid and Aragon.
WHO WAS THE 10TH COUNT OF ARANDA?
Born in Siétamo (Huesca) in 1719, Aranda was one of the most influential Spanish politicians and diplomats of the 18th century. A soldier, ambassador, president of the Council of Castile and minister, he played a key role in the international relations of his time. As ambassador in Versailles, he established a close relationship with Benjamin Franklin and supported the North American independence movement.
