The Plenary Hall of the Cabildo of Lanzarote hosted this Wednesday morning the presentation of the 24th edition of the Lanzarote International Film Festival, offering in detail the scheduled events, which already began on April 26 with the III Mural Contest, and will continue until May 25, the day on which the Closing Gala will be held at the Víctor Fernández Gopar Theater 'El Salinero'.
The president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, stated that "the festival "not only provides leisure alternatives in Lanzarote, but also strengthens a transversal island tourist and economic model." He added that "the commitment of the Government group is to expedite permits to the entire film industry because Lanzarote has landscapes like no other place in the world to produce quality cinema, respecting sustainability and the environment."
As Minister of Culture, Jesús Machín Tavío, also expressed that the celebration of the Festival "is always an extraordinary occasion to celebrate the creativity and talent of local and international filmmakers, in a unique platform that promotes the diversity of voices and perspectives, and where Lanzarote becomes a stage where art and culture converge."
For his part, the Minister of Art, Culture and Tourism Centers, Ángel Vázquez, thanked "the efforts of the organizers of an event that is completely established in the national calendar, as shown by the constellation of stars that gathers every year on the island to enjoy the cinema and the many charms that Lanzarote offers. The Tourist Centers," he explained, "support an initiative that aligns with our Social Responsibility as it projects the work of established filmmakers, publicizes the work of emerging artists, responds to the demands of the legion of followers of the seventh art on the island and promotes the image of Lanzarote abroad."
The spokesman for Fisme Producciones, Ismael Curbelo, explained that the intention of those who organize the festival is "to open a window to the world, to see what is happening outside, through short films, and to tell us how we see ourselves, how they see us and how we want them to see us."
In addition, the Councilor for Culture of Arrecife, Abigail González, highlighted the importance of an event "that has been and is a fundamental pillar in the promotion and dissemination of cinematographic culture on our island" and conveyed to its director, Ismael Curbelo, her gratitude "for making the capital of the island part of a festival."
Cinema for all audiences
The highlight of the short film event will be the screening of the finalists in the official section, which includes the categories of Spanish Fiction, International Fiction, Canary Islands, Documentary and Animation. Access to each section has a price of 2 euros, or you can opt for a full pass for 15 euros, available on the Festival website.
As usual, the Sala Buñuel of El Almacén will be the meeting place for film lovers, from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 May, with screenings at 18.00, 19.30 and 21.00 hours, and on Friday 24, with screenings at 18.00 and 20.00 hours. In addition, the El Salinero Theater will be the stage for the reading of the awards and the awards ceremony on Saturday, May 25 at 20:30 hours.
The event will be attended by several figures of recognized national and international prestige who have been part of the jury, including Alby Robaina, Marta Neme, Ruth Armas, Elena Ramírez, Juanjo Artero and Cristina Marsoc, Paz Vargas, Benito Zambrano, Marta Etura, Pablo Padrón, Irene Escolar, María del Río, Iván Umpiérrez, Lauren Collins and Blanca Portillo.
'Elders without hesitation' is one of the most important events of the FICL. This initiative presents a special selection of short films designed especially for the elderly of the island. On Thursday 16, at 11.30 am, at the Argana Baja Cultural Center in Arrecife, residents from seven residences and day centers on the island will meet, an event also open to the general public. All attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the stories chosen by the expert of the Canarian Health Service, Alberto Durán.
The contests are also an essential part of this year's program, in what promises to be a catalyst for talent for the seventh art as is the 6th Express Short Film Contest 'Roberto Pérez Toledo' which was presented on the 13th and will end on May 19 with the screening and awards ceremony in the Theater Hall of the Multicines Atlántida at 19.30 hours.
As a novelty this year the FICL 2024 will make a special stop in La Graciosa with the screening of several short films that can be enjoyed by the population of the island.
Cinema and music
The Festival will join the Sonidos Líquidos Festival in an event that promises a unique experience by combining the playful and festive music of the trio Ombligo, with the screening of the film 'What have I done to deserve this?', a bold feminist plea signed by Pedro Almodóvar. The music of Ombligo will be synchronized live with the film, adding a special dimension to the cinematographic experience. It will be on Thursday, June 5 at 20.00 hours in the Sala Buñuel, located in El Almacén.