The Lanzarote International Film Festival concluded its twenty-fifth edition with the closing gala held this Saturday at the Víctor Fernández Gopar Theater "El Salinero" in Arrecife, filling the venue with the public and lovers of the seventh art.
During the ceremony, the awards were presented to the best short films from the five official sections of the contest: International Fiction Shorts, National, Canarian, Animation, and Documentaries. Let us remember that this edition broke records with 2,780 submitted works from more than 100 nationalities, of which 63 competed in the official selection.
"From the Cabildo, we want to congratulate the winners, but, above all, our island for continuing to host a festival as relevant as this, which not only projects quality cinema, but also consolidates Lanzarote as a cultural and creative reference inside and outside the Canary Islands," highlighted the Minister of Culture, Jesús Machín Tavío.
A quarter of a century projecting stories
After a quarter of a century, the FICL has established itself with a passion for cinema and constantly promoting audiovisual culture on the island. The gala, hosted by audiovisual creator Emilio González and actor and comedian Nacho Peña, combined humor and tributes to the festival's 25-year history with the presence of the jury composed of actors, directors, and journalists specialized in the seventh art such as Miguel Ángel Muñoz, María Esteve, Mina El Hamani, Rubén Cortada, Sergi López, Loreto Mauleón, Críspulo Cabezas, Yolanda Flores, Michelle Calvó, Raúl Maro, Carlos Serrano, Agustín González, Laura Balde, and Yeray Betancor. The guests, nominees, and award winners were also able to enjoy the Canarian comedian Delia Santana and the performances of Yeray Herrera and Silvia Criado.
Award winners of the XXV edition of the FICL
Best International Short: Le dérapage by Aurélien Laplace (France).
A short film that stands out for its sharp political satire and intelligent humor. The plot revolves around Paul Sérédat, a deputy in the middle of a re-election campaign who, along with his wife, discovers on the radio that he has made a slip-up. The short, which has already toured several festivals, has won awards such as Best Short Film at the Liberamente Short Selection in Italy and Best Sound Design at the TakeOne Festival in Austria.
Best National Short: Insalvable by Javier Marco
Co-written with Belén Sánchez-Arévalo, it is a short film that stands out for its narrative tension and careful visual aesthetic. The story presents Mauro (played by Javier Pereira), who is at a dinner with Ángel (Pedro Casablanc), a stranger whose life he saved weeks ago. What begins as a gesture of gratitude transforms into a disturbing exploration of morality, power, and hidden intentions.
Best Canarian Short: Los muchachos by Alejandro Artiles
A short film that stands out for its ability to generate tension and reflection in 15 minutes. Set in the La Palma observatory, the story follows Fran, an isolated scientist who, in the midst of a global pandemic, discovers through an old radio that those affected by the new virus adopt a violent attitude. Los Muchachos has been recognized internationally, obtaining the Jury Prize for Best Short Film at The Overlook Film Festival in New Orleans.
Best Animated Short: Carmela by Vicente Mallols (Spain)
Written by Helena Sánchez, it is made in stop motion and offers a powerful reflection on the struggle of women during the Spanish Civil War. The story follows Carmela Rico, a woman who joins the militias to defend the freedoms won during the Second Republic.
Best Documentary Short: Emilia by Rafa Arroyo
The work tells the story of Emilia Lozano, a tireless activist for human rights and the feminist movement, who, through her NGO "Somos Acogida", provides support to young migrants who are left helpless when they come of age in Spain.
Relive the best shorts of the FICL in El Almacén
On May 28 and 29, El Almacén will relive the screening of the short films awarded at the XXV Edition of the Lanzarote International Film Festival, as well as an exclusive selection of the best works that have participated in the different sections of this year. Tickets for these special sessions are now available at ecoentradas.com.
This double date with short films is organized by Fisme Producciones, with the support of the Culture Area of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, the Government of the Canary Islands, the Lanzarote Film Commission Canary Island Films, the Canarian Institute of Cultural Development, and the Lanzarote Foreign Promotion Society through its product brand Lanzarote Film Commission, Promotur Turismo de Canarias, Arrecife City Council, and Art, Culture and Tourism Centers.
