The Alicante International Film Festival leads the annual competition calendar in the Valencian Community, a sector-focused initiative organized by the Valencian Cultural Institute. Out of 33 events that received support, this festival stands at the top with 96 points, a solid leap from previous years where it ranked second.
The Alicante event topped the current classification, followed by the Valencia Film and Human Rights Festival and the Sax Film Festival. The ranking also highlights other notable Alicante celebrations such as the Alfàs del Pi Festival and the Benidorm Skyline Festival.
Continuous evolution
Festival director Vicente Seva comments that the achievement reflects the hard work of everyone involved. The rise to first place this year is seen as evidence of ongoing growth and momentum that strengthens the festival’s role on the national stage, with continuous progress expected in the years ahead.
Family photo from the latest Alicante Film Festival. INFORMATION
Alicante International Film Festival closed its most recent edition, marking its 20th anniversary with a record year. There were more premieres and a 25 percent increase in attendance, bringing nearly 32,000 visitors to various events, compared with the previous year when attendance exceeded 25,000 participants.
Among the highlights were 22 feature films and 103 short films from 17 countries. The festival also hosted parallel events such as photo exhibitions, including Views From photographer Cristina Mariscal at Plaza Mar 2 Shopping Mall; Alicante set at the Mediterranean Casino and festival moments in the El Corte Inglés Cultural Area; plus the display of posters from the 20th edition at the Adif Alicante station.
Starlight Walk
The opening of Paseo Luz de las Estrellas at Ruperto Chapi Plaza near the Theatre marked another major milestone. Notable figures from Alicante such as Alejandro Amenábar, Belén Rueda, Antonia San Juan, Fernando Colomo and actor Fele Martínez attended the event.
Opening of Paseo Luz de las Estrellas with Fernando Colomo, Fele Martínez and Antonia San Juan
Emotional moments surrounded the festival, including the opening gala at the Alicante Principal Theatre where honors were presented. The Lucentum Award went to Belén Rueda; Karra Elejalde received the Honorary Award, with Dani Rovira presenting the accolade and Blanca Portillo handing the card. The Alicante City Award went to Nathalie Poza.
Costume designer Sonia Grande received the Fashion Award at the closing gala. The cinema industry’s creative leadership was showcased by Rosario Puñales, coordinator of the festival’s new fashion section. Music producer Luis Ivars presented the Music for the Image award to Zeltia Montes.
Project Laboratory
On the industry and entrepreneurship side, the 5th Fiction and Med Fiction Project Laboratory, in collaboration with the Alicante Local Development Agency and the SGAE Foundation, drew a strong attendance. The event captured more than 180 projects, with 18 feature films and TV series selected and a wide roster of industry professionals in attendance.
The festival organization is already planning the 21st edition, which is scheduled to run from May 25 to June 1, 2024. The competition enjoys support from the Alicante Provincial Council and the City of Alicante, along with City & Beach, Casa Mediterráneo, the Valencian Institute of Culture, À Punt Media, and other partner organizations.