Programming the Helena Cortesina Short Film Festival shines a light on cinema culture and the pivotal role of women in film. The festival, supported by the Women’s Association for Equality, marked its second edition from the 21st to the 23rd of this month, with backing from the Provincial Council of Alicante.
The competition showcased twenty works from a field of 276 submissions, highlighting a 40% increase in short films compared with last year. The jury, composed to reflect a diverse range of perspectives, gathered to evaluate the entries and celebrate the best in contemporary cinema.
Cultural Deputy Juan de Dios Navarro, along with the jury president Verónica Cerdán and the president of the Women’s Association for Equality, Marcela Fernández, announced the festival details this morning. The Provincial Council reaffirmed its commitment to equality, continuing its funding line with 25,000 euros dedicated to advancing gender-inclusive cultural policies and supporting this significant regional event. The council sees the festival as a catalyst to position Alicante as a reference point in the sector.
According to Cerdán, the selected works demonstrate high quality, a strong commitment to the empowerment of women in society, and expressive storytelling. The committee, chaired by Cerdán, includes Fernando Fernandez, a graphic designer and professor; Alicia Garijo, director of Teatre Arniches; Amparo Calabuig, a political scientist and gender studies expert; and Paula Mirafi, a film and commercial producer from La Boutique 77.
The program opened with a morning presentation that featured the committee and outlined the festival’s goals and selections. The event also highlighted Helena Cortesina, the Valencia-born pioneer after whom the festival is named. She is celebrated as the first female director and producer in the country, breaking barriers with her early works and leaving a lasting imprint on the industry. The centennial celebration of her landmark project Spain Flower underscores the enduring influence of women in cinema both in front of and behind the camera.
Programming
On Thursday, September 21, at the Ferrisa Gate Center in Alicante, screenings featured films connected to a wide range of talents. Notable titles include Ma’am, Please, linked to Alma Alonso and Maria Aragon; On My Skin, associated with Sándor M. Salas; Entrance Room, connected to Elisa Porto; Fourth Generation, tied to Susana Siscart; Wash, associated with Carmen Jiménez; Plugs, connected to Alicia Arwgar; Gold, linked to Lydia Lucena Lucas; Glass, Organic Paper, associated with Almudena Vazquez; Yogurt, tied to Rocio Sepúlveda; and Happy and Olé, related to Clara Santaolaya.
The festival opened with the song Madame, Please, written by Alma Alonso and María Aragon, serving as a musical invitation to the audience to dive into the cinematic experiences ahead. The screenings continued on Friday, September 22, at Teatre Arniches in Alicante, featuring a varied lineup including Cleo by Aitana Ahrens and Miguel Guindos; Mare by Santiago Gatto; Boy Things by Raquel Colera; End by Fernando Reinaldos; I Tied It by Carmen Córdoba; The Silence of the Soul by Navarro Sea; Childhood by Angel Puado; Scrap by Oscar Toribio; There is Only One by Mik J. Lopez; and The Road to Damascus by Enio Mejía.
The festival culminates on September 23 with a closing ceremony at Teatre Arniches, which will include a masterclass and the presentation of awards. The event will honor the collective and individual achievements of women in cinema, with a special recognition given to Irene Lucas Ramón for her outstanding career as a screenwriter and author. The Helena Cortesina Respect Award celebrates those who have profoundly influenced the industry through lasting contributions and storytelling that resonates with audiences today.