2024-11-19
The BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia festival will take place from 6 to 15 December. The festival sessions will take place at the Euskalduna Palace and the Sala BBK in Bilbao, and discounts are offered on ticket sales at each venue: buying tickets for 5 to 7 sessions, a 20% discount, and buying tickets for 8 sessions or more, a 30% discount.
Director Gastón Haag presents ‘Tragedium’, his absurd sci‑fi comedy that blends humour, horror and fantasy. After a successful run at over 60 festivals and winning 17 awards, Haag will bring his short film to the Brigadoon section at Sitges, cementing his work as a fresh and original take within genre cinema.
Although I’m not Basque by birth, everything I do has Basque roots; I feel at home here and want to reflect that in my stories
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CIMASUB 2025 has announced its official winners, and with them we celebrate an edition that has made us dream, dive and thrill to every story screened. This year, the festival reminds us once again why underwater cinema is a unique window onto the wonder and beauty of the oceans.
We now know the winners of CIMASUB 2025! The sea takes centre stage once again in an unforgettable edition.
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Autumn is immersed in unique images thanks to the Cimasub Tour 24/25, which this October will visit different locations in Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa with a varied program combining underwater cinema, photographic exhibitions, and educational activities for schoolchildren.
Cimasub Tour 24/25: October arrives packed with underwater films, photography, and activities for all ages
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The 73rd edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival closes with excellent news for Basque cinema: 'Sundays', by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, has won the festival’s highest honour, the coveted Golden Shell
Basque cinema triumphs at the SSIFF!
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45 films will compete this year in the Official Section of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia festival, from December 5th to the 14th. These are films about mountains, adventure, extreme sports and nature, all recent productions, no more than two years old. A total of 226 films have been submitted directly to participate in Bilbao. This is the same number as last year; equalling Mendi Film's all-time high. A total of 226 films submitted direct applications to participate in Bilbao. This is the same number as last year, matching the highest number ever for Mendi Film.
The 54 selected film of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2025
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“One of the driving forces behind the project was to convey to younger generations the social strength of those mobilisations”
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“Being selected in such a special setting as the San Sebastian Film Festival is undoubtedly a real privilege”
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The deadline to participate in the Donostia-San Sebastián International Underwater Film Festival (CIMASUB) 2025 is fast approaching. Hurry! If you haven't submitted your work yet, remember that September 15 is the deadline to submit your entries and be part of this prestigious event that celebrates the beauty and importance of the oceans through audiovisual art.
September 15, last call! Submit your entries to the CIMASUB 2025 contest.
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“I believe the film seeks compassion, tolerance, love and respect for those who choose a different path.”
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“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”
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“If ‘8’ is watched without thinking, only feeling, it ignites something deep within”
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The nine-part documentary series Euskal Herria Hegan, directed by Lorea Pérez de Albéniz and Javi Gutiérrez Pereda, invites us to rediscover the historical, cultural, and natural richness of the Basque Country from a unique perspective: from the air. The first episode, focused on Gipuzkoa, will premiere as part of the EITB Gala at the 73rd San Sebastian Film Festival, offering audiences an audiovisual experience combining stunning aerial imagery, symphonic music composed specifically for the series, and live performances by local artists.
“Viewing Euskal Herria from the air offers us a completely different way of approaching our territory
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Director Miguel Ángel Vivas Moreno presents ‘The Truce’, a film inspired by true events that explores the encounter between Republicans and members of the Blue Division in a Soviet gulag, where survival forced them to set aside their ideological differences. We spoke with him about the origin of the project, the collaboration with Kazakhstan, and what it means to premiere his work at the San Sebastian Festival ahead of its cinema release on the 10th of October.
“We didn't want to make a political film, but a film about people”
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The Cimasub Tour 24/25 continues its journey and in September will stop at three locations with a full program to enjoy the magic of the underwater world through film, photography, and educational activities.
The Cimasub Tour arrives in Oñati, Pamplona, and Hernani in September
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At Cimasub we continue working to give visibility and projection to underwater cinema and short films that promote the care of our oceans. Today we are pleased to announce a piece of news that fills us with pride: Cimasub is now part of the network of FRIENDS Festivals of the FUGAZ Awards, one of the most important awards for Spanish short films.
Cimasub joins the FUGAZ Awards as a FRIEND Festival
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Summer is a time for the sea, for encounters and, of course, for underwater cinema. At Cimasub we continue to take our images to new places, and this August we have prepared two very special activities that invite you to enjoy the cinema of the seabed in unique spaces.
Cimasub dives into August with two very special screenings
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Eight productions with Basque involvement will feature in the Zinemaldia line-up, with a notable presence in sections such as Official Selection, New Directors, Horizontes Latinos and Zabaltegi.
First Basque Titles Confirmed for the 73rd San Sebastián International Film Festival
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This July, the Donostia-San Sebastián International Underwater Film Festival (CIMASUB) is once again going to sea, and in a very special way! We present four sessions of open-air underwater cinema on board the eco-active museum ship Mater, within the framework of the Zero Zabor Uretan 2025 campaign.
Underwater cinema on board the Mater this July with CIMASUB!
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The Basque Country showcases its potential as a co-production partner to professionals from 35 countries in Vitoria-Gasteiz
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Mendi Film and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, announce the 6th edition of the Mendi Film Beka grant, aimed at the creation of documentary film projects whose objective is the audiovisual promotion of Mountain Culture.
The Mendi Film Festival grant for the audiovisual promotion of Mountain Culture
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Animadeba – International Animation Film Festival has opened the call for Animadeba Lab – Work in Progress.
Animadeba opens its call for animation projects in development
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The MENDI TOUR, the touring cycle of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia International Mountain Film Festival, continues to grow. In the first half of 2025, film sessions have been held in 32 towns and cities with mountain, adventure, extreme sports and nature films. The number of spectators has grown by 13% compared to last year at this point. In total, 11,000 spectators have gone to the cinemas this year to enjoy the MENDI TOUR.
11,000 spectators have enjoyed the best mountain cinema at 32 MENDI TOUR events in five months
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The 23rd edition of the Caostica International Short Film and Music Video Festival will once again be hitting the heart of Neo-Bilbao from June 2 to 8 at Bilborock.
CAOSTICA 23, THE INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM AND MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL, IS HERE
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Bilbo, 2025.05.22. The 18th edition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia to be held from December 5 to 14, 2025 already has its main image. It is the snapshot entitled The Cave by Chamonix-based Parisian photographer Julia Roger-Veyer. This image has been awarded in the CVCEPHOTO mountain activity photography contest organized by the Basque Camping Club Elkartea of Donostia-San Sebastián, in the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia Poster Award, endowed with 800 euros and the choice as the main image of the Mendi Film 2025.
The figure of a climber at a glacial cave is the main image of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2025
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The documentary ‘If You Wish To Make An Apple Pie’, directed by Nagore Eceiza from Gipuzkoa, will be presented on the18th of May as part of the Spain Showcase at Cannes Docs 2025 —an event co-organised by ZINEBI, the ICAA, and ICEX. This project is one of four titles chosen to represent Spain on this prestigious international platform. In her interview, Eceiza reflects on the challenges and lessons encountered during the making of the documentary, how the film has evolved through the editing process, and her hopes for the future. Meanwhile, her work 'Zona Wao' is currently among the ten documentary short films in the running for a nomination at the 2025 Fugaz Awards.
“Being at Cannes Docs means stepping onto a new stage, playing in a different league, and giving the documentary its moment in the spotlight”
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The CIMASUB 24/25 Tour continues its journey with stops in Errenteria, Amurrio, Zumarraga and Astigarraga.
May, four cities, one message: Protect the oceans with film and photography at CIMASUB
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The organisers of the San Sebastián International Underwater Film Festival (CIMASUB) are pleased to announce that the call for entries is now open for our annual competition, which this year celebrates its 49th edition. Once again, we invite photographers, filmmakers and lovers of the underwater world from all over the world to share their underwater gaze.
The CIMASUB 2025 competition is underway!
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The registration period for submitting films for the Official Selection of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia is opened. Those interested will have until the 5th of September.
Submissions for the Official Selection of the Mendi Film 2025 are now open
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“In the short film, I highlight a social critique of a society that progresses while gradually pushing older people into invisibility”
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This short film portrays how a community reacts during a collapse caused by a climate crisis
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The Official Short Film Section of the Málaga Film Festival will host the world premiere of ‘Unseen’. This work by María Algora and Mikel Bustamante is produced by Bedmar Films, Katz Estudio, Larrua Creaciones, and Gosua Films, and sheds light on the taboo surrounding suicide. We spoke to the directors about their expectations and feelings ahead of this premiere.
"We would like the work to connect with people and spark a debate; to bring to the forefront an issue that is so hidden in our society"
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“There is very little fiction produced in Basque, and even less science fiction, so I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the language’s value on a global scale”
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The International Underwater Film Series (CIMASUB) continues its journey in March with a calendar full of exciting screenings and activities for all ages. This month, various locations will host underwater film sessions, educational programmes and special events, bringing children, adults and adults alike closer to the beauty of the seabed.
Don't miss out on all the Cimasub events this March!
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The European Film Market, one of the most prestigious film markets internationally, has selected the Alavese filmmaker María Elorza to participate in this year's Berlinale Talents event. The Gasteiz-born director shares her goals for this experience in Germany and discusses the project she is currently working on.
“Continuous learning and involvement in labs and festivals should be a constant commitment that delivers long-term results”
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“Playing Ismael has been a deeply emotional challenge; I have felt firsthand the full weight of the moral responsibility he refused to bear”
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Arantxa Echevarría’s latest film, ‘Undercover’, is among the frontrunners to stand out at the Goya Awards ceremony on the 8th of February. With 13 nominations, including the most prestigious categories, we spoke to the Bilbao-born director about the film and its impact on society.
“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”
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The International Underwater Film Festival, Cimasub, is preparing for a month of February packed with exciting activities that will bring the wonders of the underwater world to people of all ages. The initiatives include film screenings, photographic exhibitions and special programmes in Lasarte-Oria, Zarautz and San Sebastian.
Cimasub fills February with activities in Lasarte-Oria, Zarautz and San Sebastián
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The International Underwater Festival (CIMASUB) kicks off the year with a varied and exciting offer for lovers of the underwater world. During the month of January, the CIMASUB Tour 24/25 will bring screenings, exhibitions and educational activities to various locations, bringing the beauty and secrets of the seabed to audiences of all ages.
The CIMASUB TOUR explores new destinations. Vitoria, Beasain and Lazkao debut together with Irun in January
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2024 will be remembered as an exceptional year in the history of CIMASUB. We have navigated together through waters full of challenges and achievements that have allowed us to grow and strengthen our mission.
2024 Results Report, a year to remember
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The 17th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia was held from December 6th to the 15th and gathered 9,837 spectators, an increase of 34% over last year's number of spectators.
9,800 spectators attended the 17th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, 34% up on last year festival
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The Norwegian film ‘Songs of Earth’, which has captivated the Jury and the public at the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, has won the Grand Price of the 17th edition. It is the work of director Margreth Olin, a film based on her parents and the love of Nature inherited from them. The Jury highlighted that it has "a magnificent cinematography, a poetic narration and a sublime soundtrack". “The director provides a crystal-clear gift of what we’ve been given when we slow down and listen: nature is calling us,” they emphasize in their verdict.
‘Songs of Earth’ wins the Mendi Film Grand Price, a Norwegian film with “a magnificent cinematography, a poetic narration and a sublime soundtrack”
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Bilbao, November 26, 2024. The BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia festival presents its 17th edition to offer fans of the genre the best mountain cinema once again between December 6 and 15.
BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, the mountain film festival suitable for all ages from December 6 to 15
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CIMASUB 2024 reaches its culmination on 23 November with a third session starting at 19:00h. at the Teatro Principal, with free admission, which promises to thrill spectators before the awaited awards ceremony. This final session takes us by the hand through some of the world's most impressive seascapes, while reminding us of the urgent need for conservation.
Closing session and awards ceremony. Saturday 23rd November: Celebrating the majesty of the ocean
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‘Horizontal’, the latest short film by director Alex Reynolds and production companies Apellaniz y De Sosa, Señor y Señora, and Banquete Films, is part of the Official Selection at ZINEBI. We spoke to the director about the creation of the project, her creative process, and what it means to be part of one of Spain’s most renowned short film festivals.
“When carrying out a project, I ask what message I want to convey to my own understanding"
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This year, Zinebi will feature the short film ‘The Last One’ in its official selection, directed by Ane Inés Landeta and Lorea Lyons. In this interview, we explore the elements that shaped this animation project, from the initial inspiration to the challenges faced.
"The aim of this project is to spark a dialogue between perspectives, prejudices, pressures, benefits, and fears surrounding motherhood"
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‘Rather than offering a closed reflection, I want my works to raise questions to be shared with the public’
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Iratxe Fresneda will make her debut with ‘The Rotary Press’ in the Official Competition Section of ZINEBI. With the closure of Egin as the main theme, the short film deals with the fragility of memory and the places that human beings create to safeguard it. We spoke to the director from Bizkaia to find out more about her latest work.
"Filming ‘The Rotary Press’ has been like coming face to face with a passage of our history that should never have happened"
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226 films have been registered as direct candidates to compete in Bilbao. This is the highest figure in the history of the festival, the edition with the most direct entries.
49 films in the Official Section and in Zabalandi of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2024
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The Donostia-San Sebastian International Underwater Film Series (CIMASUB) enthusiastically presents the official trailer of its 48th edition, offering a preview of what will be a unique film experience that will take the audience to explore the immensity of the ocean and its secrets.
"Every image, a commitment", discover the CIMASUB 2024 trailer
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The Opening Ceremony of the 4th edition of the festival will be directed by the basque actress Maria Cruickshank and will feature a performance by the Royal Cloud dance group
Afrikaldia starts next Monday with the film ‘Shabu’ in the Europa Conference Centre
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The Donostia - San Sebastian International Underwater Film Festival (CIMASUB) celebrates its 48th edition and we are excited to present the full programme! This year, the festival offers a unique selection of film screenings, the always awaited Underwater Txikiziklo, and several photographic exhibitions. Get ready to dive into the depths of the ocean!
From the ocean to the big screen: Discover the CIMASUB 2024 programme
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Ibermedia Next is a new modality of the Ibermedia Programme designed to promote innovation and collaboration in the strategic sector of Ibero-American animation. ‘Titan Tofu’, by the director María Luquero and the Basque production company Uniko, was one of the 14 beneficiary projects, which will be co-developed with 10 Latin American countries from Spain, Italy and Portugal. These pieces will tell Ibero-American stories through technological innovation in animation.
“Ibermedia Next has provided us with the resources and the time needed for testing new technologies, exploring innovative techniques and working alongside international teams”
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We’ve reached the end of an exciting 72nd edition of the San Sebastián Festival, after enjoying 21 Basque productions and participating in various meetings with the international industry to continue expanding our cinema.
Awards for Basque Cinema and Professionals at the San Sebastián Festival
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After having participated in the Official Selection of the Annecy Festival and having been selected to form part of the KIMUAK 2024 Catalogue, the animated short film ‘When It Comes (It Will Have Your Eyes)', by Izibene Oñederra, has been selected for the Zabaltegi Section of the San Sebastian Festival. We spoke to the director about the international trajectory of her work, and about this latest selection.
"Zabaltegi's formula of programming a short film together with a feature film and its commitment to more auteur cinema seems very interesting to me as a spectator"
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The organising team of the Donostia - San Sebastian International Underwater Film Festival, CIMASUB, is deeply grateful for the incredible reception of our competition this year. We are honoured to share that, once again, we have exceeded expectations with an extraordinary participation that highlights the growing interest and passion for the underwater world.
Cimasub 2024, the edition with more works presented in 48 years of history, thank you for making it possible!
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During the 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Festival, we will have the opportunity, as on previous occasions, to watch the first episode of the series ‘Go!azen’ at the Velodrome. To learn about the new features of this eleventh season and to get to know her character, we spoke with Nerea Elizalde, who plays Garazi. The Bilbao-born actress also told us about the projects she is currently involved in.
"Being part of ‘Go!azen’ offers us huge privileges, such as participating in the San Sebastian Festival; what we experienced last year was unforgettable"
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Director Carmen Chaplin will explore the topic of her grandfather's Romany heritage in her new documentary, which will be featured in the Zinemira section of the San Sebastian Film Festival. With exclusive interviews and unprecedented access to Chaplin's legacy, the work offers a profound exploration of his Romany roots.
“I pitched the documentary at the Lau Haizetara Forum some years ago so it feels very poetic to return to San Sebastian now it’s finished”
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The documentary, ‘That world that gives you nothing’ (Ese mundo que no te da nada), by Ernesto del Río, has been selected to feature in the Zinemira section at the next San Sebastian Festival. We chatted with the director and scriptwriter about his latest work and about the significance of its selection.
“Taking part in the San Sebastian Festival helps raise your profile with the public, the industry and the media”
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On the 40th anniversary of ‘La bola de cristal’, the iconic television programme that marked an entire generation, the San Sebastian Festival becomes the perfect setting for the premiere of ‘Los poderes de Lolo’. Nino Fontán, Miguel Alba Rico and Itziar Bernaola are the directors of this moving documentary, and we had the opportunity to talk about the significance of bringing this project to the Zinemaldia, its creative process, and the relevance of keeping the legacy of a woman who revolutionised Spanish television alive.
‘It can be very revealing for younger people to discover the story of Lolo, a woman who is more from this era than the one she lived in’
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The MENDI TOUR will start on the 6th of September, in the city of Monzón, Huesca, the second part of the year, which leads us into autumn
Autumm season of the MENDI TOUR 2024: Monzón, Bergara and Urnieta first stops
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‘From Eight To Infinity’ is a film that follows the life of filmmaker Benito Ansola, with writer Miren Agur Meabe as his travelling companion, as well as the history of Basque cinema and cinema in the Basque language. We talked to the director, Naia Laka, about this documentary that will form part of the Zinemira section of the 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Festival.
‘Entering the Zinemira section is an enormous achievement, taking into account the weight and influence that Zinemira has on Basque cinema’
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‘Replika', a documentary selected for the Zinemira section of the San Sebastian Festival, is a very personal project that reflects on the importance of images and how they allow us to preserve and relive memories. Pello Gutiérrez, scriptwriter and director, explains what inspired the creation of this work.
‘It was an aspiration for us to premiere at the Zinemaldia and it is clear that this means that the selection committee has rated the film very highly’.
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This September, CIMASUB (International Underwater Film Festival) will bring to Hernani and Pasaia an impressive selection of films and photographic exhibitions dedicated to the underwater world. The first edition of the festival in Hernani and the third in Pasaia promise to be a visual and educational journey into the depths of our oceans, with a strong message of conservation and environmental protection.
The Cimasub Tour 23/24 continues: In September we arrive in Hernani and Pasaia
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40 years after its premiere at the San Sebastian Festival, the feature film ‘Tasio’ (Montxo Armendáriz, 1984), restored by the Basque Film Library, will open the Klasikoak section of the San Sebastian Festival. Joxean Fernández, director of the Basque Film Library, talks about the process involved in restoring the film.
“Of all the films that have been screened so far, this one must be the most emotional”
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Nest, the international short film competition for film students at the San Sebastian Film Festival, will feature the screening of ‘The Third Landscape’ by Julen Etxebarria. In this work, produced by Elias Querejeta Zine Eskola, the director will show us how the fungus Microsphaerella dearnessi, which affects the Insignis pine variety, has expanded across the landscape of the Basque Country even infecting the painted forest of Oma, the artwork of the Basque artist Agustin Ibarrola.
"Participating in the Nest section of the festival provides a boost to believe in and continue trusting the way one conceives cinema"
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The San Sebastian Festival, taking place from the 20th to the 28th of September, will be a showcase for Basque cinema, with 20 productions included in the programme. This international event reinforces the fundamental contribution of the Basque audiovisual sector to the film industry.
20 Basque productions will feature in the line-up for the 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Festival
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San Sebastian is preparing to host the 48th edition of the International Underwater Film Festival, Cimasub 2024, to be held on 21, 22 and 23 November. On this occasion, the official poster for the event features a stunning image captured by the winner of the Golden Banister for Best Photographer at the 2023 edition, Merche Llobera.
Presentation of the Official Poster for Cimasub 2024: A whirlwind of underwater life in San Sebastian
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This August, film and ocean lovers have an unmissable date with two events that celebrate the beauty and challenges of the world's seas: the open-air Underwater Cinema in Bakio and the CIMASUB screening at the Itsas Film Festibala at the Aquarium of San Sebastian.
Two outstanding underwater film events in August: Bakio and Aquarium San Sebastián
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After being open for the whole month of July, the photographic exhibition in the Los Lavaderos hall has come to an end. This exhibition presented 24 impressive images of the Canary Islands and other paradises of the world, captured by photographers from all over the world, including some of the best Canarian photographers. With this, all Cimasub activities in Tenerife have come to an end.
Great success of Cimasub in its first edition in Tenerife
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We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between CIMASUB and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote marine conservation and protect coral ecosystems, and we are incredibly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
CIMASUB and IUCN SSC Coral Specialist Group partner to boost coral conservation
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The Zero Zabor Uretan (Zero Garbage in the Water) campaign comes to the Basque Coast in July aboard the Ecoactive Museum Ship Mater. This initiative, now in its fifth edition, aims to raise awareness of the problem of marine litter and promote waste prevention under the slogan "The best waste, the waste that is not generated". Various activities will be carried out to involve citizens in the conservation of the marine environment, highlighting the importance of waste reduction, as 80% of marine litter comes from waste management on land and lack of awareness.
Underwater cinema on board the Mater throughout July as part of the Zero Zabor Uretan campaign
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Mendi Film and the Biscay Provincial Government announce the 5th edition of the Mendi Film Beka grant, aimed at the creation of documentary film projects whose aim is the audiovisual promotion of Mountain Culture.
The MENDI FILM BEKA 2025 grant open to amateur and professional filmmakers
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The Express Film Festival is not an ordinary contest, it is an event where all the short films submitted to the competition are shot on the same day of the festival, in an "express" way. In just 10 hours, and with their own equipment, the participants have to devise, script, shoot and edit the works: quite a challenge!
REGISTRATIONS OPEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE XVI EXPRESS FILM FESTIVAL OF PORTUGALETE
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The group “Casino Solidario” has invited Subacuáticas Real Sociedad and Cimasub to participate in a charity event in support of ALS, to be held at the Casino of Pamplona.
CIMASUB participates in charity event in Pamplona in support of ALS sufferers
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The 17th of June is the last day to register the proyects
DEADLINE FOR WORK IN PROGRESS PROJECT SUBMISSIONS EXTENDED
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The International Alliance for Mountain Film is proud to announce that the IAMF 2024 Grand Prize has been awarded to Renan Ozturk, in recognition of his career as a director of movies dedicated to mountains and climbers, realised with the competence of those who are part of the mountaineering community and the sensitivity of an artist, combined with great cinematography skills.
Renan Ozturk awarded with the 2024 IAMF Grand Prize
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The touring exhibition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia mountain film festival has just culminated the first part of the 2024 season with very good attendance data: 9,600 people have enjoyed the 59 film sessions programmed in different 31 locations.
9,600 viewers have enjoyed the best mountain cinema with the MENDI TOUR 2024
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The Cimasub Tour 2023/2024 continues unstoppable and this month arrives, in different formats, in Tolosa, Bilbao and Tenerife to continue with its objective of spreading the secrets of the seabed and raising awareness of the care and protection of these.
In June, CIMASUB visits Tolosa, Bilbao and Tenerife
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The 17th edition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia to be held from 6 to 15 December 2024 now has its official poster. It is titled Fuego, by the French photographer Jean-Baptiste Liautard, and it has been awarded the Mendi Film festal poster prize along with 700 euros in the international mountain activity photography contest CVCEPHOTO organised by the Club Vasco de Camping Elkartea, club of San Sebastian.
The main image of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2024 burns with “Fuego”
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It has been done so in recognition of their historical contribution to mountaineering and mountain values, coinciding with the celebration of the centenary of their founding.
The Basque Country and Navarre mountain federations to receive the WOP Mendi Film 2024 award
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Information about FICAB
XXIV International Archaeological Film Festival of Bidasoa (Irun) inscription is open
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BIDEODROMO International Experimental Film and Video Festival starts in October 2024 in Bilbao (Basque Country) and is now accepting entries for its festival.
Have you released any experimental film or video recently? We want them for our festival!
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The Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival, Dock of the Bay, will celebrate its seventeenth edition from June 17 to 22 at the Trueba Cinemas, Tabakalera and other venues in the city such as Le Bukowski, Kutxa Fundazioa (Kluba and Plaza) or Convento de Santa Teresa.
Dock of the Bay, the Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival, to be held from June 17 to 22, announces the names of the Jury and presents the image of this XVII edition.
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This May we visited Errenteria and Zumarraga. Packed with film screenings, photographic exhibitions and underwater Txikiziklos, we arrived in these two towns with all our enthusiasm to continue promoting the care and protection of our seas and oceans. These underwater events are a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty and problems of the oceans, providing the audience with an enriching experience that seeks to inspire conservation and respect for our priceless marine heritage.
Errenteria and Zumarraga host a month full of activities to protect the oceans
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From April 19 to June 10, six artists from the Basque Country will exhibit their work at the Randomize-Ize festival in New Taipei.
EXPERIMENTAL BASQUE COUNTRY FILMS IN TAIWAN
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The eagerly awaited competition of the Donostia - San Sebastian International Underwater Film Festival, CIMASUB 2024, has officially kicked off. With a deadline for entries that runs until 15 September 2024, participants can now send in their works to compete in this increasingly prestigious showcase of underwater imagery.
Call for entries for the CIMASUB 2024 competition is now open
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In April, the International Underwater Film Series, CIMASUB, comes to Azpeitia and Hondarribia. Lovers of the underwater world will be able to enjoy the 4th edition in Azpeitia, thanks to the sponsorship of the Sustainability Department of the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council, which will take place on Wednesdays April 10, 17 and 24 at 19:00 hours in Soreasu Antzokia, while the 15th edition in Hondarribia, will be held on April 11, 12 and 13 at 19:00 hours in the Auditorium of the Itsas Etxea.
Next stop of the Cimasub Tour: Azpeitia and Hondarribia
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Film submissions are open for the 17th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia mountain film festival. It will take place from 6th to 15th December 2024. Interested producers, directors, and filmmakers must submit their films by 15th September 2024. Let's keep dreaming!
Film submission period for the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao - Bizkaia 2024 open until 15th of September
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The deadline for submitting short films to the 2024 edition of KIMUAK will be open until the 21st of April.
Kimuak 2024 Opens Call for Submissions for Short Film Selection Process
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On Friday, the twenty-fifth edition of the International Underwater Film Series (CIMASUB) in Deba was unveiled. The presentation, which was attended by Mónica de Prado, 2nd deputy mayor of Deba Town Council, and David Sánchez, director of Cimasub, took place in the municipal plenary hall, where a Cimasub photographic exhibition is already on display. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and unravel the secrets of the oceans.
In March CIMASUB comes to Deba
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The Málaga Film Festival will begin on the 1st of March, featuring Andrea Jaurrieta's debut of her film 'Nina' in the Official Section. The director tells us about the creative journey that brought this work to life.
“I greatly appreciate the Málaga Film Festival's commitment to diverse and independent cinema”
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Imanol Ortiz López (Orlok Films) recently participated in Genre Rules, one of the new Inspirational Labs by WEMW. It involves a series of activities designed to encourage selected participants to develop new content and explore innovative business models. The producer has shared insights into the significance of this selection and provided an assessment of the overall experience.
“Taking part in Genre Rules has been a thrilling and immensely inspiring life experience”
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Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren's film was honored with three accolades, and Martin Romero's work, produced by Uniko, won the prize for Best Animated Short Film.
20,000 Species of Bees and To Bird Or Not To Bird, Award-Winning Basque Productions at the Goya ceremony
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This February, the International Underwater Film Series, CIMASUB, will captivate lovers of the underwater world in Lasarte-Oria and Zarautz. The 16th edition in Lasarte-Oria will take place on Monday 12th, 19th and 26th February at 19:00 at the Manuel Lekuona Cultural Centre, while the 14th edition in Zarautz will be held on Wednesday 14th, 19th and 28th February at 19:00 at the Modelo cinema.
In February CIMASUB immerses Lasarte-Oria and Zarautz in an underwater show
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'20,000 Species of Bees' stood out as one of the main highlights at the Feroz Awards last night, securing a top accolade for Best Dramatic Film. Patricia López de Arnaiz was also recognized as Best Supporting Actress. Directed by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren, the film was not the only Basque production to shine in the winners' list; 'Upon Entry' and 'Foremost By Night' also received awards.
‘20,000 Species of Bees’, ‘Upon Entry’ and ‘Foremost By Night, awarded Basque productions at the Feroz Awards
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The feature film '20,000 Species Of Bees' has won the Best Film Award at the Forqué Awards gala on the 16th of December. The debut film by director Estíbaliz Urresola Solaguren was nominated in the top category alongside 'La sociedad de la nieve', ‘Cerrar los ojos’ and 'Upon Entry', and also received the Award for Cinema and Education in Values.
'20,000 Species Of Bees' wins the Forqué Award for Best Film
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The Jury composed of filmmakers Eliza Kubarska (Poland) and Patricia Ayala (Colombia), journalist Michael Pause (Germany), and Basque composers Juantxo Zeberio Etxetxipia and Nerea Alberdi, awarded the prizes in this new edition of the Mendi Film.
THE GREAT WHITE WHALE, winner of the Mendi Film Grand Prize, an inspiring story of mountaineers and sailors pursuing the dream of climbing Australia's highest and loneliest mountain
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The BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia film festival will be held in three cinemas in Bilbao: Sala BBK, the Golem cinemas of Azkuna Zentroa and the Euskalduna Palace. A total of 30 film sessions have been scheduled for the 16th edition. In the parallel activities, 3 exhibitions have been set up, a day will be held for the mountain film industry, 4 masterclasses, a conference, and a panel talk. Tickets for the sessions are available through www.mendifilmfestival.com
17 World premieres at the 16th edition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia
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The Dock of the Bay Musical Documentary Film Festival will be held from June 3rd to 8th, 2024, and is now open for submissions to its official sections.
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The Mendi Tour 2023 circuit, has once again reached all of Spain, starting from the Basque Country. Mountain cinema sessions have been screened in 53 towns and cities -last year there were 46-, attracting 14,000 spectators and a 25% increase on last season's figure.
This year’s Mendi Tour has been a roadshow of record-breaking proportions: 14,000 spectators in 53 venues
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In the 16th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, 57 films will be screened and there will be 3 exhibitions, 4 conferences. Edurne Pasaban will be presented with The WOP Mendi Film award. The IAMF Grand Prize winner, "K2 Touching the sky" by Eliza Kubarska will be screened, a masterclass will be given by the photographer Yhabril and a conference on the mountain film industry will be celebrated.
Films, exhibitions, conferences, the Jury... This is what the 16th Mendi Film will be like!
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More than 2,500 pupils from Gipuzkoa took part in this educational tour in 2023 to promote ocean conservation.
Txikiziklo Submarino begins, an educational immersion in the sea
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A visual immersion into the mysterious seabed and the relationship between man and nature.
Three stunning underwater photography exhibitions open in San Sebastian
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The 47th edition of the International Underwater Film Series provides a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and challenges of the oceans. Free underwater screenings, exhibitions and educational activities are coming to San Sebastian, organized by Subacuáticas Real Sociedad.
CIMASUB 2023 Festival. The underwater visual feast of San Sebastian is here. Presentation of the official trailer.
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The 71st edition of the San Sebastian Festival has featured a total of 14 Basque productions, two of which have been awarded. Congratulations!
Basque Productions Awarded at SSIFF 71
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The Bilbao director Josu Martínez will present his second work in the Zinemira section of the San Sebastian Festival. ‘Mirande: film bat egiteko zirriborroa’, is a documentary coproduced by La Tentación Producciones and Gastibeltza about the controversial writer Jon Mirande, considered one of the most important poets in Basque literature of the 20th century. “Mirande is said to be a racist. A paedophile. A Nazi. A misogynist. Immoral. Every time he is mentioned, controversies flare up. We don't know what to do about him. I want to make a film about Mirande. But I don't know how. Perhaps the most interesting thing to do would be to let him have his say”. This is how Josu explains the work he will present at this Zinemaldia.
"I have long thought that there was an untold story in Jon Mirande"
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The feature film 'Bizkarsoro,' directed by Josu Martínez, will also compete in the Zinemira section of the San Sebastián Festival. The story encompasses five true stories based on written and oral testimonies, which take place between 1914 and 1982, in a village that does not exist. Produced by Gastibeltza Filmak, Adabaki Ekoizpenak, and Tentazioa Produkzioak, the work highlights the social changes experienced by a small village during the 20th century. The radiation and the end of a language, and the fight to survive.
“‘Bizkarsoro’ is a grassroots project, created with the help of more than 200 residents of Baigorri"
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‘Contadores’ is one of several Basque productions that will be on show at the 71st San Sebastian Film Festival. The short film directed by Irati Gorostidi had its world premiere at the Cannes Critics' Week and will compete in the Zabaltegi Tabakalera section of the Zinemaldia. Produced by Apellaniz & de Sosa, as well as Tractora and Pirenaika, the film is about a trade union negotiation in the 1970s and features a cast made up of amateur actors.
“Being able to participate in the Cannes Critics' Week was a huge accolade that put ‘Contadores’ in the spotlight and will help promote future projects”
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The highly anticipated Bilbao Surf Film Festival 2024 announces that entries to register films for its next edition are officially open. Filmmakers and surf lovers from around the world will be able to submit their masterpieces until December 15, 2023 free of charge.
Call for entries for the 9th edition of the Bilbao Surf Film Festival 2024!
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'A Deep Breath’ is the work that will be presented by directors Bertha Gaztelumendi and Rosa Zufía at the Basque Cinema Gala. In the documentary, both directors dive into the films made by female Basque filmmakers of different generations. The film is to be screened today, 26 September, at the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and will compete for the Irizar Basque Film Award. As a sign of the understanding between the two, the directors have agreed to take part in a joint question-and-answer session.
“Despite the difficulties and being invisible, women have made films, are making films and will go on to make films, each with her own point of view”
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'Mission to Mars' will be screened out of competition in the Zinemira section. Amat Vallmajor del Pozo's film participated in WIP Europe, was also screened at the Berlin Critics' Week and earned a mention at the Gijón Film Festival. The feature film, produced by Elias Querejeta Zine Eskola, Muxika Zinema and Vitrine Films, portrays a post-apocalyptic Basque Country, where two brothers set off on a mission. We spoke to the director about his participation in the San Sebastian Festival and the challenges he has set himself ahead of the film's theatrical release on 29 September.
"Although its aesthetics are dark and radical, 'Mission to Mars' appeals to everyone, as well as to human relationships, in particular that of three brothers"
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After winning the FIPRESCI Prize in Tallinn (Estonia) and the Best Film Award at the Kolkata Film Festival (India), 'Upon Entry', the debut feature film by Alejandro Rojas and Juan Sebastián Vásquez, will feature in the Made in Spain section of the San Sebastian Festival. Carlos Juarez, from Basque Films (one of the producers of the film together with Zabriskie Films and Sygnatia), assesses the background behind this film.
"Upon Entry, being a film d'auteur, was aimed more at prestige audiences than the mainstream, but we succeeded in bringing it closer to being a thriller"
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A key event on the international film scene kicks off on 22 September, the 71st edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival, which will fill the city with cinema until 30 September. In addition, the event will have a considerable Basque presence, as it has selected a total of 14 works that show the excellent state of audiovisual production in the Basque Country.
The San Sebastian Film Festival will be represented by a total of 14 Basque productions at its 71st edition
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Tomorrow, 30 August, the Venice International Film Festival, one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, will begin. Basque director Víctor Iriarte will present his debut film 'Foremost by Night'.
Basque director Victor Iriarte's 'Foremost by Night' will make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
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Víctor Iriarte will debut his film ‘Foremost By Night’ at Venice International Film Festival, which begins on 30 August. In this interview, the director tells us how he is approaching this prestigious event.
“The ultimate goal of filmmaking is to share a film in the cinema, and it means a lot for it to happen in a prestigious section like Giornate”
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The film, directed by Ekain Albite, Adrià Roca, Nicolau Mallofré and Mikel Ibarguren and produced by Maluta films and Cornelius Films, has celebrated its world premiere in the Swiss city and competed with 13 other films by emerging filmmakers presenting their first or second feature-length films.
‘Negu Hurbilak’ receives Special Mention from the Jury of Cineasti del Presente section at Locarno Film Festival
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The Locarno Festival, one of the main events for experimental and auteur cinema, will take place starting tomorrow, August 2nd, and will provide the perfect platform for the world premiere of the film 'Negu Hurbilak', which has been chosen to participate in the Cineasti del Presente section.
Strong Presence of Basque Cinema at Prestigious Locarno Festival
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‘Negu hurbilak’ will have its premiere at Locarno’s Cineasti del Presente competitive section!
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Spectacular data and great atmosphere in the Mendi Tour circuit in 2023. In the winter-spring season, during the first half of the year, it has had 34 venues, with a total of 64 film sessions, and 10,800 spectators.
The MENDI TOUR is on par with the best data with 10800 spectators in the first half of the season
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Itsasmuseum presents in collaboration with Nakusarbe the 2nd edition of the Basque Environment and Ocean Week. A week for marine sustainability and the environment with activities for all audiences that will take place at Itsasmuseum from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 June.
CIMASUB comes to BILBAO as part of the Basque Environment and Ocean Week 2023
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The competition for the 47th edition of the San Sebastian International Underwater Film Festival, CIMASUB 2023, is now underway. The deadline for submitting entries to the competition is officially open, with a deadline of 20 September 2023. You can now submit photo galleries, short films and documentaries to participate in our competition.
Call for entries for the CIMASUB 2023 competition is now open
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The author of the photograph is Gonzalo Bartolomé Tierra 'Yhabril Moro'
"X-Man" by Yhabril Moro is the image of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2023
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The Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival, Dock of the Bay, which will take place from the 1st to the 6th of May, 2023, has presented this morning at a press conference the films in competition. In the words of Eva Rivera, director of the Festival "in this sixteenth edition, we will continue to bet on quality and independent cinema. Offering unprecedented programming and promoting dialogue between creators and spectators. We are committed to inclusion and diversity, to open spaces for reflection and to bring us closer to the world. In addition, we will strive to be a festival respectful of our environment, that promotes slow culture and that you can feel close to. A festival where the human is present and people are the measure of all acts". In this sixteenth edition, 25 documentaries will be screened.
Dock of the Bay, the Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival, presents its entire program.
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The Cannes Critics' Week has selected the work 'Contadores', by Irati Gorostidi, for the Official Short Films Section. It is a project of the producers Apellaniz and De Sosa, Tractora and Pirenaika, and which has formed part of the catalog Kimuak 2022, which is currently managed by Zineuskadi.
'Contadores', in the Cannes Critic’s Week!
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Dock of the Bay, the Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival presents its live radio programming and the collaboration with venues in the city such as Altxerri and Dabadaba.
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The deadline for film registrations for the 16th edition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia festival is open from 31 March to 15 September.
Film registrations period opened for the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia 2023
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The WOP-The Walk On Project Foundation and the Mendi Film Festival Association are awarding the WOP Mendi Film 2023 Foundation Award to Edurne Pasaban, mountaineer and businesswoman from Tolosa, Gipuzkoa. She is first woman to complete the 14 eight-thousanders, the highest mountains on the planet. The award ceremony is going to take place at the Opening Ceremony of the 16th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, on December the 8th 2023, at the Euskalduna Congress Centre in Bilbao.
Edurne Pasaban WOP Mendi Film 2023 Award
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The San Sebastian LAU HAIZETARA Documentary Coproduction Forum is preparing the next edition! San Sebastian, 25-27 September 2023 The open call for the presentation of projects will begin in April and will be communicated via the usual channels.
XIX EDITION OF THE SAN SEBASTIAN LAU HAIZETARA DOCUMENTARY CO-PRODUCTION FORUM
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This year the International Alliance for Mountain Film decided to award the Grand Prize to Eliza Kubarska, in recognition of her career as a director of documentaries capable of investigating the human events hidden behind great adventures
The International Alliance for Mountain Film is proud to announce that its 2023 Grand Prize has been awarded to Polish director Eliza Kubarska
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Basque cinema will try to bring this brilliant year to a marvelous conclusion at the Goya Awards
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The projects 'Negu hurbilak' and 'Sobre todo de noche', selected to participate at the D'A Film LAB
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“With ‘Negu Hurbilak’ in the Work In Progress section of the D’A Film Festival, we finish a stage for the film”
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On January 26th, Basque. Audiovisual. will join to the 'Producers meet Producers' meeting organized within the framework of the FIPADOC Festival.
Basque Audiovisual will be attending to the 'Producers meet Producers' meeting
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The strength of Basque cinema is evident, once again this year, with the implementation of projects that continue to receive awards, critical acclaim and audience praise, as much at festivals as in cinemas and on streaming platforms.
Basque productions also protagonists in Ventana Sur
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The Bilbao International Documentary and Short Film Festival kicks off today and will run until Friday 18 November.
ZINEBI once again becomes a meeting point for the Basque audiovisual sector
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