Spain is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant film and television industry. Each year, the country hosts a series of major events celebrating the best of film and television both nationally and internationally. The 2024 calendar is packed with festivals, galas and screenings that not only highlight Spanish talent, but also attract filmmakers and fans from around the world. Below, we present a tour of the most notable events of the year.
January
Almería International Film Festival (FICAL)
From January 12 to 21, Almería will be the epicenter of cinema with the celebration of FICAL. This festival stands out for its focus on short films and emerging cinema. In its 2024 edition, screenings of innovative works, workshops and round tables with industry professionals are expected.
Forqué Awards
On January 27, the Forqué Awards ceremony will take place in Madrid, which recognizes the best film and television productions of the previous year. Organized by EGEDA, this event marks the beginning of the awards season in Spain and is usually a thermometer of what will happen at the Goya.
February
Goya Awards
On February 10, Seville will host the 38th edition of the Goya Awards. This gala is the most important event in Spanish cinema and honors the best of national film production. With national and international stars, the ceremony promises to be a night of glamor and excitement.
Carabanchel Spanish Film Week
From February 12 to 18, the Madrid neighborhood of Carabanchel will celebrate its traditional Spanish Film Week. This event is an excellent opportunity to discover new Spanish films and participate in discussions with their creators.
March
Malaga Festival. Cinema in Spanish
From March 15 to 24, Malaga will become the capital of Spanish-language cinema with its annual festival. This event is crucial for the promotion of Spanish and Latin American cinema, with sections that cover feature films, documentaries and short films. In addition, it offers a platform for the industry with its MAFIZ Industry area (Málaga Festival Industry Zone).
Madrid Premiere Week
The last week of March will see Madrid host Madrid Premiere Week, a series of exclusive premieres of national and international films. This event is a festival of commercial cinema, with red carpets, press conferences and the participation of prominent film figures.
April
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival
From April 5 to 14, this festival will offer a varied program that includes arthouse cinema, documentaries and short films from around the world. With competitive sections and parallel activities, it is an unmissable event for lovers of independent cinema.
Alicante Film Festival
From April 20 to 27, Alicante will hold its film festival, known for its support of new talent. The event includes the screening of short films, feature films and documentaries, as well as workshops and meetings with professionals in the sector.
May
Huesca Film Festival
From May 3 to 11, Huesca will be the setting for one of the most prestigious short film festivals in Spain. This festival, which celebrates its 52nd edition, is a springboard for many emerging filmmakers and a platform to discover new voices in cinema.
DocsBarcelona
From May 20 to 26, Barcelona will host the DocsBarcelona festival, dedicated to documentary cinema. This event offers a wide selection of documentaries from around the world, as well as workshops, master classes and meetings with directors.
June
Valencia International Film Festival - Cinema Jove
From June 14 to 21, Valencia will hold its young film festival, which focuses on the first and second works of emerging directors. With competitive feature and short film sections, this festival is an important platform for new talent.
Platinum Ibero-American Cinema Awards
On June 29, the Riviera Maya in Mexico will be the scene of the Platino Awards ceremony, which recognizes the best of Ibero-American cinema and television. Although the event is not held in Spain, it is of great relevance for the Spanish and Latin American film industry.
July
San Sebastian International Film Festival
From July 20 to 28, San Sebastián will host its prestigious film festival, which is one of the most important in Europe. With a program that includes auteur cinema, major productions and experimental cinema, the festival attracts leading figures in world cinema.
Cinema Jove - Valencia International Film Festival
From July 21 to 28, Valencia will be the epicenter of young cinema with the celebration of Cinema Jove. This festival focuses on the early works of emerging filmmakers and provides a platform for independent cinema.
August
Sitges Film Festival
From August 2 to 12, Sitges will host the International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, one of the most important events of its kind in the world. With programming that includes fantasy, horror and science fiction cinema, the festival attracts a global audience.
September
Valladolid International Film Week (Seminci)
From September 19 to 26, Valladolid will host its film week, which is characterized by its focus on auteur cinema and the quality of its screenings. With a diverse program that includes feature films, short films and documentaries, Seminci is an essential event for film buffs.
San Sebastian Film Festival
From September 20 to 28, San Sebastián will host its prestigious film festival, which is one of the most important in Europe. With a program that includes auteur cinema, major productions and experimental cinema, the festival attracts leading figures in world cinema.
October
Molins de Rei Horror Film Festival
From October 11 to 20, Molins de Rei will hold its horror film festival, known for its 12-hour marathon of horror films. This event is a must-see for fans of the genre and offers a diverse program that includes feature films, short films and parallel activities.
Seville European Film Festival
From October 1 to 9, Seville will host its European film festival, which focuses on promoting contemporary European cinema. With a program that includes feature films, short films and documentaries, this festival is a window to the most innovative European cinema.
November
Gijón International Film Festival
From November 15 to 23, Gijón will host its film festival, known for its support of independent and auteur cinema. With a program that includes feature films, short films and documentaries, the Gijón festival is an important platform for emerging filmmakers.
Feroz Awards
On November 30, Madrid will host the Feroz Awards ceremony, which recognizes the best of Spanish cinema and television. Organized by the Association of Cinematographic Informants of Spain, these awards are a prelude to the Goya and stand out for their focus on the most innovative and risky productions.
December
Lanzarote International Film Festival
From December 1 to 8, Lanzarote will host its film festival, known for its focus on documentary and fiction cinema. With a program that includes screenings, workshops and meetings with filmmakers, this festival is a must for film lovers on the island.
Huelva International Film Festival
From December 9 to 16, Huelva will celebrate its film festival, which focuses on the promotion of Ibero-American cinema. With a program that includes feature films, short films and documentaries, the Huelva festival is an important platform for Latin American cinema.
These events not only celebrate the best of film and television, but also provide a crucial platform for new talent and encourage cultural exchange. For film and television fans, 2024 promises to be an exciting year full of opportunities to enjoy the best of the industry.