Helena Cortesina Short Film Competition debuts with over 200 works and a curated showcase in Alicante
The inaugural Helena Cortesina Short Film Competition brought together more than two hundred submissions, culminating in twenty shortlisted titles shown in Alicante from September 22 to 24. The event is supported by the Alicante State Association of Businesswomen, Professionals and Managers and AEPA, with a mission to highlight the role of women in cinema and to amplify the voices of creative women.
The jury, comprising Adela Iriarte, an audiovisual director at the Cervantes Institute; the Sea Churches president of the Valencian Communication Media Corporation; the Mayor of Rosalia; the president of the Alicante Journalists Association; Nerea Marcen, founder of the Alicante production company Wayaba; and photographer Ivan Carbonell, selected twenty short films for the competition. Many entries originated from creators in the Alicante region and will be presented at ImpulsAlicante on September 22 and 23 from 18:30 to 20:30. The event is organized in collaboration with Diputación de Alicante.
On Thursday, September 22, visitors will have the chance to view works at ImpulsAlicante’s headquarters. The program features pieces such as Joana from Santiago Catto, Good Good from and Alvaro G. Company, Joselito from Jose Carlos Jimenez Revuelta and Marta Jimenez Revuelta, Blackout from Ferdinand Reinaldo, Available from Christian Martinez, Kelly from Javier Feser, Sea of Navarre, Swimmer by Mary Algora, Flowers for the Shell by Mabel Lozano, Emily by Cristina Guillen and Letizia by Rocio Sepulveda. These pieces showcase the breadth of talent participating in the festival and the diversity of storytelling styles on display.
On Friday, September 21, screenings include God bless you Mary by Julie-Estel Soard and Noelia Fluxá; Swallows by Maria Vilosea Miguel; Deafo by Nuria Munoz-Ortin and Eva Libertad; Last Memory by Miriam Larragay; Farruca by Rose Ian; Calfo by Lucia Forner Segarra; A Shitty Day by Vanessa Romero; Soul Traces by Rafael Arroyo; My First Choice by Charlotte Callen. The lineup emphasizes personal narratives and regional perspectives, reflecting a broader trend toward authentic, human-centered storytelling in contemporary cinema.
The competition bears the name of Helena Cortesina, a pioneering figure in Spanish cinema and the first woman to establish her own production company in Spain, Courtesina Films. The festival runs through September 24, with a closing premiere at Arniches Theater featuring Dunia Rodriguez. The night will culminate in the announcement of the winning short and the audience award.
“The response to this first edition has been remarkable, with over 200 submissions. This momentum will fuel future editions and help disseminate film culture, give women a stronger voice, and promote meaningful change in the industry. The festival also serves as an inspiration, as Leticia Dolera has shown a successful transition from acting to behind the camera and now stands as a prominent example of female leadership in cinema,” said Marcela Fernández, president of AEPA.
Master class from Leticia Dolera
Leticia Dolera, an actress, director and screenwriter, will lead a free master class on Saturday, September 24, ahead of the competition’s closing. The session will be held at Teatro Archiches at 18:00 with a focus on Writing as a path to self-questioning and feminist inquiry. Dolera, who received recognition at the Cannes TV Series Festival in 2019 for Perfect Life, will discuss women in the film industry who have earned major national and international awards. Her career journey—from acting to writing and directing—illustrates a strong commitment to equality and women’s roles in cinema.
“Writing or reading a book and a script for a film or television project is a journey of self-discovery. It prompts reflection on oneself and one’s surroundings. It’s just the start, but the journey is worth taking and sharing,” Dolera remarked.
Honorary Award to Charlie Sarriá
The organizers announced a posthumous Honorary Award for Charlie Sarriá, a beloved figure from Alicante who passed away last August. Known simply as Charlie, he chronicled his life with Ewing’s sarcoma in a candid, humorous, and relatable way that attracted millions of followers online. The tribute acknowledges his impact and assigns the associated funds to the Row 0 segment of a charity parade featuring pediatric cancer patients, scheduled for October 1 at 7:00 pm in Plaza Taurus in Alicante. It serves as a lasting testament to his legacy and community spirit.