HE Aspe Small Film Festival closed last weekend, bringing down the tenth edition with an award ceremony and the screening of 35 national and international short films over five days. The standout moment came when the Franco-Turkish-Romanian production Criminals, directed by Serhat Karaaslan, claimed the Best Short Film Jury Award on Friday. The story follows a young couple seeking a night at a Turkish hotel and being turned away for lacking a marriage license, a premise that sparked discussion and connection among audiences.
This particular short film, which also earned recognition at the American festival circuit and appeared at Sundance in 2021, adds to the director’s impressive tally of 27 international honors. Although Karaaslan could not attend the awards ceremony in person, he sent a thank-you video that resonated with many attendees.
A scene from the short film Criminals INFORMATION
The festival, organized and directed by the Aspe City Council, under the leadership of Juan Torres, became a cornerstone of the municipality’s patron saint festivities. It drew crowds outdoors at the Alfredo Kraus auditorium, where the night program attracted more than 1,750 spectators eager to experience short-form cinema.
The lineup showcased a wide array of genres and approaches, underscoring the diversity and creativity of the featured filmmakers. Artifacts were included in the presentations as well. Among the participants were David Valero, Adán Aliaga, Marcos Chanca, Álex Rey, Nach Solís, Sergio Milán, Ana María Ferri, Sara Aguilera, María González, and Mar Navarro, whose work enriched the festival’s program.
With the exception of locally recognized titles with one-year festival distribution, all award-winning films were honored with 500 euros in cash. This prize structure highlights the festival’s commitment to inclusivity across categories, a point emphasized by Juan Torres, who expressed satisfaction with the tenth edition. Public participation was strong, and many of the competing directors traveled to Aspe to present their films in person.
Considered worthy INFORMATION
The remaining festival awards included several notable distinctions:
– Best Short Film Local: Prostitute’s Chair, associated with March Navarro.
– Best Short Film Valencian Community: Lovers from Valencia, John
Are you alive.
– Best Short Film Equality: Carmen, Without Fear of Freedom, associated with Irene Baque.
– Award People For Best Short Film: Movements by parts from Granada, currently living in Madrid, Sergio Milan.
– Best Jury Award for Short Film: Criminals, linked to Serhat Karaaslan.
– Best Script Award for Short Film: Cotton Candy, a filmmaker from San Vicente del Raspeig, Adem Aliaga. The recipient will gain access to the next edition of the festival should a short film edition take place.
The closing gala featured a witty performance by Aspense actor Jesus Puche in the role of Basilio, who drew laughter and applause from the audience.
The festival director underscored the importance of film festivals as a space for collaboration among filmmakers and the need to create platforms for future productions that facilitate idea exchange and the formation of new partnerships.
upcoming releases
The organizers hope for a broader next edition, with more parallel events during the festival and throughout the year. They plan professional sector-oriented workshops while continuing to welcome newcomers to cinema through workshops offered by regional festival institutes. The aim is to once again rely on audience participation and the support of the short filmmakers who enrich the festival’s screenings.