An exceptional set of documentary works emerged from the inaugural DOCS Alicante competition, organized under the auspices of the Gil-Albert Institute in Alicante. The event showcased a diverse slate of projects produced by scholars and filmmakers connected to the province, highlighting both historical inquiry and contemporary cultural narratives. The ceremony introduced by the Cultural Institute of Alicante featured esteemed figures who lent their support to this new initiative and celebrated the talent rooted in the region.
Among the standout entries was a film by the team from the University of Alicante, led by José Antonio Moya, María Jesús Ortiz, and Antonio Espinosa. Their project, focused on the Bou Ferrer shipwreck off Vila Joiosa, offered a detailed exploration of the extraordinary Roman merchant vessel that sank in the waters near La Vila in the first century after Christ. The study combined archaeological findings with archival imagery, drawing on years of excavation work conducted by the university team to illuminate the ship’s historical and scientific significance. The documentary earned the Best Provincial Theme Award and a prize of 1,500 euros, recognizing its strong connection to Alicante’s provincial identity and maritime history.
The jury also recognized the audiovisual quality and cultural relevance of the Bou Ferrer entry with a provincial origin. The project was described as a rigorous visual history that maps not only shipwrecks but the broader context of ancient seafaring and trade in the western Mediterranean. The film was produced through a collaborative effort at the University of Alicante and was punctuated by powerful, carefully edited sequences that underscored the ship’s historical impact and the ongoing importance of underwater archaeology.
The event also honored a documentary centered on Jose Gaya’s crafts, awarded a second prize for its depiction of the esparto grass industry. This film traced the traditional work of weaving baskets, hats, and suitcases from esparto, a technique transmitted across generations in the towns of Gata de Gorgos and Pedreguer. The portrayal highlighted how craft heritage can sustain local economies and preserve artisanal skills while adapting to modern markets. The audience connected with the intimate storytelling that brought this craftsman’s contribution into sharp focus and captured the living memory of a regional trade.
In addition to these pieces, a compelling portrait of a local heroine named María José Picó emerged through another documentary that explored the controversial and painful period of babies being separated from their mothers during the early years of Spain’s democracy. The film followed Picó’s ten-year journey to document the fate of her twin sister, a case linked to the broader national conversation about institutional practices in the past. The audience viewed the complete documentary during the screening, which took place at the Carme Center in Valencia, with Picó in attendance to share firsthand memories and reflections. The project resonated with viewers for its courageous examination of a sensitive social issue while contributing to the province’s documentary heritage.
Moreover, the festival highlighted a broader trajectory for the Alicante documentary scene, where projects that focus on provincial themes and local historians are celebrated for their authenticity and narrative strength. The works were applauded for their dynamism and the way they illuminate facets of Alicante’s cultural landscape, including the endurance of traditional crafts and the enduring value of historical research in informing present-day identities. The competition was inaugurated by the Gil-Albert Institute under the leadership of Pilar Tébar, with a mission to promote documentary production by residents and to recognize the best in the field while connecting local creative work to the wider regional culture.
The DOCS ALC, known as the Alicante Documentary Awards, aims to foster the creation of documentary and audiovisual works by writers born or residing in the region. It also honors outstanding productions that address provincial themes and celebrate the rich tapestry of Alicante’s cultural and historical footprints. Twenty entries were submitted for this first edition, signaling strong local engagement and a promising future for the festival. Plans for a forthcoming awards ceremony include screening the winning documentaries for audiences who wish to see these stories brought to life on the screen, ensuring lasting visibility for the province’s authors and subjects. The inaugural slate underscores a commitment to supporting documentary making that reflects the heritage and vitality of Alicante and its communities, while inviting new voices to contribute to a growing regional canon.