The Alicante International Film Festival commenced with a heartfelt ceremony titled Paseo luz de los estrellas, a morning event that quietly turned into a tribute to the actors, actresses, and directors who have shaped the country’s vibrant film landscape. The opening sequence set a tone of warmth and appreciation, inviting attendees to reflect on the national cinema’s journey while looking ahead to the festival’s program of new films, conversations, and creative exchanges.
In the heart of the historic city, a symbolic tribute line was laid out in the gardens of Plaza Ruperto Chapí, beside the Teatro Principal. The focal point of this homage is a set of five chairs, each one dedicated to five luminaries who have left an indelible mark on Spanish cinema: Antonia San Juan, Belén Rueda, Alejandro Amenábar, Fernando Colomo, and Fele Martínez. The chairs are not mere ornaments but tangible tokens that connect the audience with the people whose work has inspired generations of artists and movie lovers.
The ceremony honored these figures as longstanding contributors to the festival and to the broader film culture in Spain. The significance of the moment resonated through the dialogue of the participants: each chair carried memories of performances, collaborations, and creative milestones that have enriched audiences over the years. For Fele Martínez, receiving a chair on his own land felt almost like a full-circle moment—a recognition that carried personal pride and communal gratitude. Colomo expressed happiness at the stylish design of the tribute, noting how a simple piece of sculpture can carry rich meaning. Antonia San Juan spoke about enduring ties to Alicante, highlighting the city as a place she has cherished since the festival’s earliest days and a setting she would always choose to return to for its unique atmosphere.
The remarks from Belén Rueda carried a deeply personal thread. She reflected on her mother, who spent her childhood in Alicante, and who taught ballet, a heritage that shaped her artistic sensibilities. Rueda described the chair as a symbol of shared recognition: it belongs not only to the named honorees but to everyone who views their work from near or far. The message conveyed was one of belonging and gratitude, a reminder that cinema thrives through community and shared memory.
Amenábar, looking to the future, shared a clear intention to shoot another film in Alicante. He spoke of the chair as more than a wooden seat; it is a beacon that promises possible collaborations and creative opportunities in the region. The hope expressed was that within a year’s time, the festival might see someone occupy a chair of this kind to film locally, continuing a cycle of production that ties the festival to the city’s evolving cultural landscape.
Architectural detail and artistry accompany the new space. The chair-shaped sculptures were crafted by a local artist, and their polished steel surfaces catch the light, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the impact of cinema. The installation is designed to grow, with plans to add more statues honoring past winners from different editions. This evolving avenue is anticipated to become a central feature of Alicante, elevating its status as a vital tourist and cultural destination. The combination of sculpture, storytelling, and public space creates a living, accessible homage that resonates with festival attendees and residents alike, turning the city into a stage where cinema and community intersect in a permanent, joyful way.
As the opening events concluded, the sense of momentum remained high. The festival’s organizers signaled an ongoing commitment to celebrating national talent while inviting international filmmakers to participate, exchange ideas, and bring fresh perspectives to the table. The Paseo luz de los estrellas stands as a compelling symbol of that commitment: a clear, shining reminder that cinema lives in the conversations it sparks, the places it touches, and the people who keep telling new stories through moving pictures.