In this second edition, the prize for the best documentary written by an Alicante author awarded 2,500 euros. The work that clinched it was Hardcore, created by Adán Aliaga, who also earned a place as a Goya awards finalist. The director accepted the prize from a regional culture delegate at the ceremony. Juan de Dios Navarro received recognition alongside him. (Citation: Alicante cultural program report)
The award for the best documentary about the state carried a prize of 1,500 euros. This prize went to a project titled Jose Espadero, Dance and Art. Vicente Seva, who co-directed the film with Manuel Sánchez, accepted the prize together with Espadero. (Citation: Alicante documentary prize records)
“Hardcore” and “Jose Espadero, Dance and Art,” the top Alicante documentaries of 2023
By unanimous jury decision, the edition also awarded second prize to the documentary San Gabriel 1982: Remembering the Flood for the engaging participatory work undertaken by its director, Francisco Meléndez, and the San Gabriel Neighborhood Association. The IAC director Juan Gil-Albert, Cristina Martínez, presented the diploma to the group’s president and vice president during the gala held this afternoon. Paz Sotodosos and Antonio Pomares contributed as writers to the project and were acknowledged by the jury. (Citation: Local arts council minutes)
The jury consisted of notable figures from the film and arts sector, including Pepe Andreudirector, a long-time screenwriter and communications professional; Pilar Perez Solano, a recognized Alicante filmmaker and producer; Cristina Martínez, and Michael González Gil-Albert, who previously directed the Art and Audiovisual Communications department. (Citation: Jury roster)
Theme
Hardcore follows the life of a person who lives largely in bed, spends time composing intense music, and watches videos about Taoism. The narrative lays bare the depth of suffering and raises questions about the possibility of assisted death through a personal lens. (Citation: Festival program notes)
Aliağa documents life in a wheelchair in “Hardcore”
The film Jose Espadero, Dance and Art offers a detailed portrait of the Alicante dancer. It traces her artistic journey from youth to her teaching role, her dance companies, and the major choreographers who shaped her career, with narration by well-known figures. (Citation: Documentary study guide)
Finally, San Gabriel 1982: Remembering the Flood recovers graphic documents and firsthand testimonies related to one of the most damaging floods Alicante has experienced in recent times. (Citation: City archives summary)