After ten exciting years of life, the International Film Festival of Calzada de Calatrava, faces in this XI Edition the most important challenge of its trajectory: to establish itself as one of the main Film Festivals of the national panorama.
Our Festival responds to a strategy of cultural, artistic, touristic and economic dynamization. Pedro Almodóvar’s hometown welcomes every summer new films from all over the world, growing every year in quantity and quality. We are talking about the only Film Festival in the province of Ciudad Real with an official feature film section.
Culture is a vital opportunity for the rural environment, promoting a Spain with less population, but with initiative and capacity to launch cultural projects at an international level, as is our festival; the engine of a Spain that struggles to survive.
The Festival also constitutes a unique tourist offer in the heart of Campo de Calatrava, enhancing the value of inland tourism. In addition, it is an economic stimulus for small local businesses and the hotel and catering trade.
Social commitment is innate to cinema and our Festival has shown its sensitivity, reflected in the Solidarity Act programmed edition after edition.
By rewarding young talent, the festival becomes a window to the world for new filmmakers. In this 11th edition, 545 works from 40 different countries have been presented, some of them from countries with persecution of cinema or involved in war conflicts. Our cry for freedom of expression and the visibility of their works is one of our commitments.
We have presented 67 feature films, 180 Fiction shorts in a Humorous Tone, 103 Hiparquia shorts (in a gender perspective), 67 Documentary shorts and 45 shorts Made in Castilla La Mancha. Of the total, 462 will go to the competition. The Jury, formed by professionals from different countries, has made an arduous selection process.
Calzada de Calatrava is preparing for the XI Edition with a programme full of surprises. With the initiative of the Friends of the Film Festival, we are preparing film scenes, a tribute to Pedro Almodóvar, the soundtrack concert, a new Film Burgers Contest and Film Breakfasts, wine tasting with nuts and dried fruit pairing, parallel sessions, film workshops, Playmobil film scenes exhibition, a tribute to a life dedicated to cinema and the I Pedro Almodóvar Tourist Route.
The Festival is supported by the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, financed by Next Generation European funds, the Ayuntamiento de Calzada de Calatrava, the Diputación de Ciudad Real, the A. D. Campo de Calatrava and the production company El Deseo.
The 11th edition maintains the essence and identity of the origins of the festival, placing our town at the forefront of culture through film, demonstrating that with commitment and dedication, we are capable of Being and Growing.
We continue working on the XI Edition of the International Film Festival, transforming Calzada de Calatrava into… a town of cinema.