With the celebrated director Raúl García at the helm, the 17th Sax International Film Festival culminated in a moment of triumph. The Spaniard, recognized for his distinctive storytelling and visual flair, took center stage as the festival honored a spectrum of cinematic works that explored bold ideas and bold voices from around the world. The open-air gala turned into a vibrant celebration of creativity, with the festival’s sponsors presenting a series of top prizes to standout films chosen by a discerning jury.
At the ceremony, Alberto Sols House offered a striking backdrop for the evening, while Wizard J and The Road to Raúl García drew applause for their contributions to the program. The goldfish and other highlighted titles received recognition for their craftsmanship, as jurors announced awards across various categories to honor excellence among the competing entries.
Notable Recognitions
The festival announced several noteworthy prizes across different forms of storytelling. The best fiction short film award went to a standout work crafted with precision and emotional depth, while the best animated short film prize celebrated innovation in visual storytelling and character design. A dedicated prize for the best short documentary highlighted the power of real-world narratives told with clarity and purpose, and a special recognition was given to a short story selected for its compelling voice and cinematic potential in Alicante.
Additional accolades recognized the strongest contributions from the international contestants. A short film that resonated with audiences in Valencia received a dedicated award, with the jury noting its memorable mood and strong pacing as key strengths. A distinct social short film prize acknowledged works that spoke to contemporary issues with impact and sensitivity, while another honor highlighted the best film from the region of Valencia and its unique contribution to the festival’s tapestry.
The festival also offered special mentions that recognized emerging talents and promising ideas. One such mention highlighted a creator who demonstrated a keen eye for narrative dynamics, while another acknowledged the public support from a local university and its community. Additional credits went to a filmmaker whose short work demonstrated technical prowess and a distinctive voice.
Music and Moments
The night paid homage to Raúl García with a formal award and a live musical segment performed by The BSO Project. The musical program offered reinterpretations of iconic themes from animated films, serving as a melodic tribute to the films that earned the festival’s acclaim.
As the evening drew to a close, audiences were treated to a screening of Extraordinary Tales, a film cycle that featured animated shorts and narrative experimentation. The program highlighted García’s influence and celebrated his achievements with recognition across multiple categories.
Before closing, festival organizers hosted a public reception at Sax Culture House, where attendees could meet the director and hear reflections on a career that has spanned multiple acclaimed projects. The festival’s leadership shared insights into the journey of filmmaking, recent collaborations, and future plans that continue to shape the local and international film landscape.