Elche International Independent Film Festival returns with a spotlight on new directors
The Elche International Independent Film Festival, known as FICIE and organized by the Mediterranean Foundation, has kicked off its latest edition. The festival runs through July 21, featuring premieres and conversations about early works from five Spanish directors. After each screening, audiences can join a post-film discussion with the filmmakers.
The opening screening takes place at the Odeón cinemas at 19:00, presenting a feature by Oscar Montón. The film stars Álex Peral, an actor from Alicante, and centers on the Bakalao Route, a cultural scene that defined Valencia in the 1990s. The story follows a group of four friends who chase the weekend party life as a way to escape daily pressures. The setting captures the era’s music, fashion, and urban energy that characterized the Valencian nightlife.
Óscar Montón, a graduate of Audio-Visual Communication, brings nearly two decades of experience as a filmmaker and technician in television production. His work spans producing, directing, and coordinating a range of programs and documentaries, reflecting a career built on hands-on expertise and a passion for storytelling.
More projections
Beyond the opening title, four additional feature films are scheduled to screen at Odeón Cinemas through July 18. The lineup includes Kepler Sixth B by Alejandro Suarez Lozano on July 12; Kill the Wolves by Omer A. Razzak on July 13; Testament by Joaquin Carmona Hidalgo on July 18; and Unknown Woman by Pablo Maqueda on July 18. These selections highlight emerging voices and distinctive stylistic approaches in contemporary Spanish cinema.
For the 46th edition, the festival features 62 feature films in competition. The selection committee chose five first-time directors, whose works were produced within the period from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023. In addition to the feature competitors, 2,238 short films participate across nine categories in the Official Division, showcasing a broad spectrum of storytelling and cinematic experimentation.
Official short-film selections run seven days in a row, from July 14 to July 20, at Hort del Xocolater, offering a steady stream of creative work for festival attendees to explore.
Alongside screenings, the festival hosts a range of parallel activities that include roundtables, masterclasses, and workshops led by leaders in the audiovisual industry. Special screenings complement the program, giving audiences multiple entry points into contemporary cinema. The festival concludes with a closing gala on July 21, during which the winners will be announced and celebrated.
Festival’s cultural commitment
Louis Boyer, president of the Mediterranean Foundation, emphasizes that FICIE is Elche’s most important summer event and a flagship effort to support social and cultural development in the city and surrounding province. He notes that this year’s edition extends the programming to 15 days and broadens the projection schedule and cross-activities, aiming to attract wide public interest and active participation.
FICIE is presented under the auspices of the Mediterranean Foundation, with support from Elche City Council and Elche’s Buñuel Film Club, reflecting a collaborative effort to nurture local cinema and engage communities in cultural life.