Carlos Saura, who led Spanish art cinema's revival, dead at 91

FILE PHOTO: Spanish director Carlos Saura poses in the Spanish capital Madrid October 31, 2005./File Photo

Filmmaker Carlos Saura, who led the awakening of Spain's art cinema after decades of fascist dictatorship under Francisco Franco and captivated international audiences with passionate flamenco choreography dramas, died on Friday. He was 91.

The Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences said Saura, died at home surrounded by loved ones. He had been due to receive the academy's Honorary Goya Award at the annual awards ceremony on Saturday.