The annual Alicante Smartphone Film Festival celebrated its awards last Saturday, marking the festival’s second edition. This unique competition spotlights short films created entirely on mobile devices, a testament to the growing creativity of filmmakers who grab a phone and tell a story that resonates. At the gala, talent from the festival’s national and international entries was recognized across several categories, with the national fiction short film prize going to a standout entry and a Colombian director earning a special international recognition for another work tied to the festival’s broader mission of global storytelling.
The festival also highlighted notable achievements within its regional frame. Jessica Cid received the prize for the best short film produced in the Alicante province for her work connected to Lucia Cid, while the best national animation prize went to a piece titled Where butterflies rest, credited to Aiden Stewart. A distinct win in the comedy short category went to Freemasons, a project by Roberto Asensi and Cristina Barril that drew applause for its wit and timing.
Miguel Angel Seville earned the best director award for his film Start Again, and Lucia Cid added another accolade by taking best actress honors for her role in Jessica. Meanwhile, Roberto Asensi claimed the best actor title for his performance in Freemasons, a recognition that underscored the festival’s emphasis on strong performances across genres.
In a theme-linked prize, the best short film addressing climate change was awarded through a partnership with Aguas de Alicante. The winning entry, titled Business Runs, was linked to Lucia Romero and highlighted a practical, issue-driven narrative about sustainability and responsible business practices—an important message for audiences in both Spain and the broader North American region that follows similar environmental storytelling trends.
The celebratory moment came during a gala held on Saturday, with Vanessa Romero in attendance to receive the awards on behalf of the winning teams. The festival’s organizing team, led by David Seva Morera, guided the event with a steady hand, ensuring a smooth program that allowed each winner to shine. Over 180 short films entered the festival’s doors, from a wide array of countries and regions, with 35 selections making it to the competition’s final showcase and earning recognition in diverse categories. The lineup demonstrated the festival’s commitment to global perspectives while maintaining a distinctly local flavor that resonates with audiences throughout Alicante and beyond.
The jury, chaired by Alicante-based actor Luis Miguel Seguí, comprised a diverse panel including Alfredo Navarro, Sami Natsheh, and Arly Jones. Their deliberations reflected a careful balance of artistic merit, storytelling clarity, technical execution, and original voice. The results showcased a spectrum of creative approaches, from intimate character studies to socially relevant narratives, all captured through the lens of mobile cinema and presented in a festival that welcomes innovation and fearless experimentation.
Support for the festival comes from a coalition of local and regional institutions that see value in highlighting emerging voices in film. The backing from the Alicante City Council, Alicante Futura, the Local Development Agency, Alicante Provincial Council, Aguas de Alicante, and Coca-Cola underscores a shared belief in culture as a driver of community engagement and economic vitality. Their participation helps ensure the festival can provide opportunities for filmmakers to connect with audiences, both on screen and in person, while encouraging local talent to reach broader markets in North America and beyond.