Madrid has hosted this Tuesday the presentation of the VIII Edition of the Ibiza Film Festival, Ibicine, to be held from April 6 to 13 on the island. The event was attended by leading figures of Spanish cinema, such as Fernando Méndez-Leite, president of the Film Academy, and actors Joan Plazaola, Sara Sálamo, Daniel Pérez Prada, Belinda Washington and Luis Larrodera, among others.
In charge of announcing the nominees was comedian and magician Miguel Miguel, collaborator of El Hormiguero, who highlighted the importance of festivals like Ibicine in promoting emerging talent. “Cinema is not just entertainment, there is always a message behind it”, he pointed out.
An edition in the spirit of Rome
This year, Ibicine pays tribute to the 25th anniversary of Gladiator with a theme inspired by Ancient Rome. The festival’s director, Helher Escribano, highlighted Ibiza’s connection with Mediterranean culture: “Just as gladiators fought in the arena for their freedom, cinema is a battlefield where creativity and passion prevail over any adversity”.
The official festival poster has been designed by the Mallorcan illustrator Ángel Luque and, among the special awards, it was announced that the Ibizan filmmaker Carmen Vidal will receive the Astarté of Honor Balearic Talent, in recognition of her career, backed by 13 Emmy awards.
El Príncep’ leads in nominations
In the Official Short Film Section (SOC), El Príncep, starring Enric Auquer, tops the list with six nominations. It is followed by Líbranos del mal with five nominations and La Gran Obra, La Piscina, Solo Kim and The Boogey & The Witch, with four each.
The list of nominees in the Official Feature Film Section (SOL) will be announced soon, along with the complete festival program.
A jury with great names in Spanish cinema
The VIII Edition of Ibicine has a prestigious jury headed by David Rodríguez, director of Pecera Estudio. Among its members are actor, screenwriter and writer Carlos Bardem, producer and screenwriter Diego San José, actress and presenter Belinda Washington, director and screenwriter Jorge Naranjo, director and producer Cecilia Gessa and producer Luis Manso.
Rodriguez highlighted the growth of the festival and its importance for the public: “For those of us who are dedicated to audiovisual creation, the most important thing is the connection with the audience, and it is a source of pride to see how the Ibicine screenings fill up”.
Record audience and institutional support
Ibicine continues to consolidate itself as a benchmark for cinema in Spain, reaching a record audience with more than a thousand spectators at its pre-screenings since January 18. In total, 600 short films were received, of which 43 will compete in 13 categories.
The festival is supported by the Consell d’Eivissa, Ibiza Travel, Adlib Ibiza, the town councils of Santa Eulària des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany, as well as the sponsorship of companies such as Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, Nassau Beach Club, Grupo Mambo and Centauro Rent a Car. Also collaborating is Los Guardianes de la Cultura, an initiative of small and medium-sized companies committed to film development in Ibiza.
Awards with support for creators
The festival is also distinguished by its support for professionals in the sector. Thanks to the collaboration of the law firm Visual In Law, the winner of the Astarté for Best Director will receive a year of free legal advice. In addition, DAMA, the copyright management entity, will award financial prizes for the winners of the Astarté for Best Fiction Short Film and Best Documentary Short Film.
Presence of major figures from the film industry and other disciplines.
Among those attending the presentation were actresses such as Sara Sálamo, Bárbara Hermosilla, Lara Palma and Beatriz Olivares, as well as actors Fernando Andina and Daniel Pérez Prada. In the field of direction and production, Mario Hernández, Javier Muga (director of the Cuenca Film Festival) and Edu Rejón were present. Also in attendance were Ruth Armas (president of the Gáldar Film Festival), Antonio García (director of the Aranda del Duero Film Festival) and Miguel Piedrafita, representative of the short film 3000 Elefantes.
The event was also attended by DJ and influencer Carpantis, youtuber and comedian Hermoti and musician Jacobo Betanzos, drummer of the band Siloé, reflecting Ibicine’s interest in connecting with the music and digital industry.
The festival has received institutional support with the presence of Juan Miguel Costa, island director of Tourism of the Consell d’Eivissa, and Carmen Domínguez, councilor of Culture, Heritage, Normalization and Libraries of the Ajuntament d’Eivissa, as well as Pedro Vidal Montserrat, regional secretary of Culture and Sport of the Govern de les Illes Balears.
Ibiza Film Campus and the message from Kira Miró
Actor Jon Plazaola, life sponsor of Ibicine, encouraged participation in the third edition of the Ibiza Film Campus, which this year will be led by actress Macarena Gómez and will focus on horror and suspense films. The campus will be directed by director and screenwriter Fernando González Gómez, linked to the TAI school.
Before closing the presentation, a message from actress Kira Miró, godmother of the festival, was screened. She highlighted the importance of events like Ibicine for its work in the recognition of film professionals: “Festivals like this one are essential to give visibility to all those who make it possible for a film to reach the screen”.
With an ambitious program and record participation, the VIII Edition of Ibicine is positioned as a key event in the Spanish film calendar and a springboard for emerging talent.
