“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 TREE HOUSE

FANT Bilbao will be held from May 8 to 16. (Bilbao, March 12, 2026)

“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.

Cimasub tours Gipuzkoa in March with underwater cinema, exhibitions, and intergenerational activities

The Donostia – San Sebastián International Underwater Film Festival (CIMASUB) continues its work in March to raise awareness of the underwater world through film, photography, and educational and social activities. This month, the festival will visit Errenteria, Deba, Azpeitia, and Hondarribia, bringing underwater cinema to audiences of all ages with screenings, exhibitions, and special sessions of Txikiziklo and Adinziklo.

Animadeba opens the call for short film submissions for its 19th edition.

The deadline will end on April 1, and submissions must be made through the FilmFreeway platform.

BILBAO FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL (FANT) PRESENTS THE PREVIEW SCREENING OF ANTONIO VICENT´S FILM

The 32nd edition of FANT Bilbao will be held from May 8 to 16.

BILBAO FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS “THE WONDER” BY LAURA GUERRICAECHEVARRÍA

Cinema 2 at the Golem-Alhóndiga cinemas in Azkuna Zentroa will host the screening of the documentary this afternoon, Thursday, May 14, at 7:15 p.m.

BILBAO FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS THE TAIWANESE FILM “SUFFOCATION” BY LOUIS CHAN

The film will be screened today, Wednesday, May 13, at 7:40 p.m. in Cinema 1 at the Golem-Alhóndiga cinemas in Azkuna Zentroa.

Four destinations for Cimasub on its February agenda

During February, CIMASUB – Donostia-San Sebastián International Underwater Film Festival will bring underwater culture and cinema to several locations through film screenings, photography exhibitions, and educational activities aimed at both schoolchildren and senior citizens. Zumarraga, Amurrio, Lasarte-Oria, and Zarautz will host a diverse program designed for all audiences.

‘Sundays’ and ‘Maspalomas’ dominate the Basque nominations at the 2026 Goya Awards

Basque productions will be among the main highlights of the night in a historic edition, with 45 nominations across 23 categories.

The Cimasub Tour 25/26 fills January with underwater cinema in Irun, Beasain, and San Sebastián.

The Cimasub Tour 25/26 kicks off the year with an extensive program throughout January, bringing the best underwater cinema, photography, and marine outreach to different audiences and generations. The activities will take place in Irun, Beasain, and San Sebastián, combining sessions open to the public with specific offerings for schoolchildren and seniors.

From the achievements of 2025 to an unforgettable 2026: Towards the 50th anniversary

2025 will be remembered as a year of consolidation and growth for CIMASUB. A year in which we have continued to move forward with steady steps, driven by our shared passion for the underwater world and the commitment of an increasingly broad and diverse community. Today we present the 2025 Annual Report, a faithful reflection of the path we have travelled, the achievements we have made and the impact we have had over the past few months.

22,300 spectators respond to the call of Mendi Film at the height of mountain cinema's popularity

An excellent 18th edition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia has brought an outstanding year to a close for the Mendi Film Association with a total of 22,300 viewers in 2025. This represents the second-best figure in the last six years, very close to last year's total of 700 more viewers.