THE OFFICIAL SELECTION WILL COMBINE FILMMAKERS WITH LONG-STANDING CAREERS AND INTERNATIONAL PRESTIGE WITH UP TO 38 DEBUT WORKS, HIGHLIGHTING THE FESTIVAL’S “TALENT-SCOUTING” SPIRIT
A TOTAL OF 26 FILM INDUSTRIES WILL BE REPRESENTED, WITH SPAIN, FRANCE, GERMANY, MEXICO AND BRAZIL AS THE COUNTRIES WITH THE MOST SELECTED WORKS
THE NUMBER OF FEMALE DIRECTORS RISES, ESPECIALLY IN THE IBERO-AMERICAN AND DOCUMENTARY COMPETITIONS
The Official Selection of the 54th Huesca International Film Festival will consist of 77 short films in competition: 31 in the Ibero-American contest, 30 in the International, and 16 in the Documentary category; a process that concludes after breaking the festival’s historical record with the submission of 2,342 entries. The selected productions come from 26 different countries, among which Spain is the most represented with 27 works, followed by the “top five” of France (17), Germany (5), Mexico (4) and Brazil (4). Other territories less frequently seen at major film events also stand out, such as Cambodia, which has two films, as well as countries currently affected by military conflict, such as Iran or Ukraine. “Due to its history and prestige, Huesca is committed to offering a snapshot of today’s world—its concerns, interests and artistic trends—and this is what audiences will see on the big screen at the Teatro Olimpia,” says Estela Rasal, director of the festival.
The kaleidoscope of themes and genres is evident in a selection that includes fiction, documentary, animation and experimental cinema, spanning comedy, drama, fantasy, thriller and even horror. Short filmmakers address issues such as ecology, human rights, adolescent concerns, family ties and mental health in order to express their creative vision and win over both audiences and jury members; a decision that will be reflected in the awards of this event in Alto Aragón, which offers more than 24,000 euros in prizes.
The presence of female directors rises to a total of 37 filmmakers across the three competitions, with particularly strong representation in the Documentary and Ibero-American sections.
MULTI-AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKERS ALONGSIDE 38 DEBUT WORKS
The lineup of filmmakers competing from June 5 to 13 in the capital of Alto Aragón combines established professionals with new voices seeking to make their way in the audiovisual industry. The list of directors includes such prominent names as the Oscar-nominated Spaniard Juanjo Giménez, recent César Award winner Sandra Desmacieres, and Paul-Razvan Macovei, who in 2023 broke box office records in Romania with his feature film Romania, VTM. Alongside them are other notable figures who have previously taken part in the Huesca event, such as Raúl de la Fuente and Amaia Remírez (both two-time Goya winners), Teresa Bellón and César F. Calvillo (Platino Award winners), and Canadian filmmaker Hervé Demers.
One of the cornerstones of the Huesca International Film Festival since its origins has been its role as a launchpad for new talent in cinema, and this has been demonstrated throughout its history by giving a decisive boost to the careers of Mexican director Michel Franco (later awarded at Cannes, Venice and San Sebastián), Claudia Costafreda (recognized at the Málaga Festival and the Feroz Awards after her time in Huesca), and Gerard Oms (nominated at the latest Goya Awards for Best New Director). Once again, this commitment is reflected in the number of debut works, which reaches a total of 35, accounting for nearly half of the selection. “Short film festivals are the first international window for many debut filmmakers; we are a barometer of the audiovisual industry, and this talent-scouting role has been part of Huesca’s DNA since its origins,” declares Rasal.
ARAGONESE TALENT ON AND OFF THE SCREEN
Aragón will take center stage in the 54th edition of the festival both on and off the screen. In the Ibero-American competition, Zaragoza-born Martha G. Ayerbe presents Señuelo, a short film that also benefits from the mentorship and production of one of Spain’s most internationally renowned directors: J.A. Bayona. Last year, various Aragonese filmmakers have earned their place in the Official Selection, such as Raquel Larrosa from Huesca, and Diego Herrero from Teruel.
The character and essence of Aragon will also be projected at the Teatro Olimpia. Madrid-born James A. Castillo explores the final days of the genius from Fuendetodos, Francisco de Goya, through his animated work The Ghost of the Quinta; this short film made it onto the shortlist for the most recent Academy Awards and now arrives in Alto Aragón as part of this international event.
IN SEARCH OF THE DANZANTE AWARD AS A PATHWAY TO THE OSCARS
The HIFF boasts more than half a century of history, making it the third oldest festival in the world dedicated exclusively to short films, a milestone complemented by over two decades of recognition from The Academy in Hollywood as an Oscar-qualifying event; in Spain, only six festivals hold this distinction. All of this makes the Danzante Awards one of the most coveted trophies in the short film sector.
The historic Teatro Olimpia in the capital of Alto Aragón serves as the main venue, hosting two free daily screenings under the highest quality standards. These screenings allow audiences to meet and exchange impressions with filmmakers from around the world, as well as to vote for the winner of the Audience Award, sponsored by Aragón TV. For nine days, Huesca becomes a hub of the audiovisual industry, featuring market activities, meetings, presentations and nightlife, all under the guiding principles of debate, reflection and inclusivity.
