“The film is a critique of the greedy society we’re living in”

‘A Sucker’s Born Every Minute’ is much more than its title suggests. It’s a cheeky, dark comedy in which Arantxa Echevarría explores greed, shortcuts and a cast of eccentric characters. The director reflects on the shoot, the dynamics between the actors and the humour that emerges from the most absurd situations, while also sharing her excitement about premiering the film at the Malaga Film Festival and discussing her upcoming plans.

“I think it’s important to remind yourself that we have an obligation to tell stories”

In his second instalment of ‘La familia Benetón’, Joaquín Mazón brings back the characters who won over audiences in the first film, while introducing new elements that turn the family’s life upside down. Between mischievous babies, wild comedy, and family values, the director reflects on the importance of telling relatable stories, moving the audience, and recognising that children are capable of understanding universal conflicts.

“For us, it was crucial to speak about this part of our recent history to ensure it is not forgotten and does not happen again”

On the occasion of the screening of ‘Undercover’ as part of the Malaga Film Festival’s parallel activities, we revisit this conversation with the film’s director, Arantxa Echevarría. In it, she reflects on the challenge of bringing to the screen the story of a police officer who infiltrated ETA, and on the need to confront a recent past that still resonates with society today.

“The most interesting thing about 'Lapönia' is that from a small anecdote it tackles universal themes that affect us all”

David Serrano returns to the Malaga Film Festival 24 years after his first success with 'El otro lado de la cama' to present 'Lapönia', his new film selected for the Official Section. Starting from an apparently ordinary conflict —the revelation that Santa Claus doesn’t exist— Serrano builds a story that blends comedy and drama, exploring everything from family tensions to universal questions about education, traditions, and happiness.

"Recovering the democratic memory of women is essential to continue making progress towards equality"

Director Amparo Climent talks to us about her latest film, ‘Pasionaria. Dolores Ibárruri’ and her participation in the Malaga Film Festival within the Affirming Women’s Rights section. In this interview, Climent explains how she combined historical rigour with emotion in her work, the process of recovering women’s democratic memory, and the impact that figures like Pasionaria continue to have on today’s society.

"We want each person to find something of their own within the story"

‘Ultramarino’, the short film by Maren Zubeldia and Silvina Guglielmotti, has been selected for the Official Section of the Málaga Festival, following its journey through festivals such as Zinebi and Bogoshorts. With sensitivity and an intimate perspective, the film explores identity and non-binary bodies, questioning social norms and gender roles that are often taken for granted. In this interview, the directors discuss how each screening transforms the story, how audiences become part of it, and how their short film seeks to create a space for recognition and reflection for everyone.

"Many people who have already seen it have told us it made them connect with their grandmothers’ kitchens and their own experiences, which is magical"

Asturian director Inés G. Aparicio has moved both audiences and critics with her short film 'Tje Diva, My Grandma and Me', recently selected for the Animazine Short Film section of the Malaga Film Festival. Through memories, music, and fantasy, Aparicio reconstructs the story of her grandmother Esperanza and revives the legacy of the first Spanish cupletistas—free-spirited and revolutionary women who inspired generations.

“I hope the documentary, beyond sharing Tetsu’s story, also allows viewers to discover the philosophy behind the concept of a restaurant”

Amidst shoots, coincidences, and a fair amount of intuition, Jon Arregui gradually wove the portrait of Tetsuro Maeda, a Japanese chef who has put down roots in the heart of the Basque Country. ‘Tetsu, Txispa, Hoshi’ is more than just a gastronomic documentary—it’s a tale of unlikely encounters, life-changing decisions, and cultural fusions simmered over time. Selected for the Cinema Cocina section of the Malaga Film Festival, the film reveals how the blend of Japanese sensitivity and Basque character can give rise to something as unique as Txispa. We spoke with the director about the process, the challenges, and what remains once the camera stops rolling.

“We want the audience to join us without judging, observing and listening instead of labelling”

Director Patricia Ortega presents ‘9 Moons’ in the Official Section (Out of Competition) of the Malaga Film Festival. The feel-good comedy follows Ángel, a trans man who, just as he is about to complete his transition, receives unexpected news: he is pregnant. Ortega approaches pregnancy from a unique perspective, exploring identity, masculinity, and the challenges of bringing this story to the big screen.

Basque cinema triumphs in the main categories at the 2026 Goya Awards

Basque cinema claimed eight awards at the 2026 Goya ceremony, in an edition marked by strong competition and the presence of productions from Euskadi among the favourites.