The figure of a climber at a glacial cave is the main image of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2025

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.

“Being at Cannes Docs means stepping onto a new stage, playing in a different league, and giving the documentary its moment in the spotlight”

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.

May, four cities, one message: Protect the oceans with film and photography at CIMASUB

The CIMASUB 24/25 Tour continues its journey with stops in Errenteria, Amurrio, Zumarraga and Astigarraga.

The CIMASUB 2025 competition is underway!

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.

Submissions for the Official Selection of the Mendi Film 2025 are now open

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.

“In the short film, I highlight a social critique of a society that progresses while gradually pushing older people into invisibility”

This short film portrays how a community reacts during a collapse caused by a climate crisis

"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"

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.

“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”

Don't miss out on all the Cimasub events this March!

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.

“Continuous learning and involvement in labs and festivals should be a constant commitment that delivers long-term results”

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.

“Playing Ismael has been a deeply emotional challenge; I have felt firsthand the full weight of the moral responsibility he refused to bear”

“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”

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.

Cimasub fills February with activities in Lasarte-Oria, Zarautz and San Sebastián

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.

The CIMASUB TOUR explores new destinations. Vitoria, Beasain and Lazkao debut together with Irun in January

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.

2024 Results Report, a year to remember

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.

9,800 spectators attended the 17th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, 34% up on last year festival

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.

‘Songs of Earth’ wins the Mendi Film Grand Price, a Norwegian film with “a magnificent cinematography, a poetic narration and a sublime soundtrack”

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.

BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, the mountain film festival suitable for all ages from December 6 to 15

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.

Closing session and awards ceremony. Saturday 23rd November: Celebrating the majesty of the ocean

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.