- The directors Atom Egoyan, Arantxa Echevarría, José Antonio Hergueta and actor Fernando Esteso will be the winners in this edition
The International Film Festival of Benalmádena (FICCAB) returns this year with its twenty-third edition, to be held from 19 to 26 October, affirming itself as one of the most outstanding film events on the Costa del Sol. During this week, the city will be the stage of an extensive program that will include projections, talks, tributes and various activities related to the seventh art, with the participation of recognized figures from the national and international film landscape.
Among the honors in this edition are prominent names such as Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan, Spanish director Arantxa Echevarría, Malaysian filmmaker José Antonio Hergueta and actor Fernando Esteso, who will receive awards for their respective trajectories.
This year, FICCAB introduces a number of new proposals that seek to attract a wider and more diverse audience. One of the main initiatives will be the talk about influences and social networks that will be held on Sunday, October 20, at 19: 00, at the House of Culture. The actor Carlos Ferro will participate in this meeting to reflect on the influence of content creators on digital platforms and their impact on society and the film industry.
One of the most expected events of this edition is the special projection of the documentary "Los Estólmos del Titvoli," which will be presented by its director, José Carlos Fernández Moscoso, on Wednesday, October 23, at 21: 00, at the Casa de la Cultura. This documentary addresses the situation and the struggle of the park workers of Tivoli attractions after its closure, offering a committed view on this leisure area of the Costa del Sol.
In addition, as part of the cultural programming of FICCAB, José Carlos Fernández Moscoso will also present his book "The sound bands to fire the days," a work that explores the deep connection between music and cinema. The presentation will take place on Wednesday 23, at 19: 00, in the House of Culture event room, and promises to provide a reflection on the relationship between emotions and sound bands.
The Festival will also pay tribute to one of Hollywood's great icons in the new issue of 'Benalzine' magazine, dedicated this year to Marlon Brando to commemorate the centenary of his birth. The meeting will be held by the writer Carlos Zamarriego and journalist Francisco Griñán, who will not only analyze the life and legacy of the actor, but also remember the summer of 1957, when Brando interrupted the shooting of 'The Dancing of the Damned' to enjoy a break on the beaches of Benalmádena.
The commitment to the film education of FICCAB is reaffirmed by a free sound workshop for children aged 8 and over. The activity, coordinated by the Minichaplin school, will be held on November 26 at the Benalmádena Exhibition Centre and will allow participants to discover the secrets of sound in the cinema. The registration period is open on Monday 14 October from 10: 00.
Inaugural gala and honor prizes
The Festival will officially begin on October 19 with an inaugural gala at the Casa de la Cultura de Arroyo de la Honey, where several film personalities will be awarded. The Malaysian producer and director José Antonio Hergueta will be awarded as best director in recognition of his career, highlighting his work in the field of historical documentary, with works such as' Operation Ursula 'and' Caleta Palace '.
For his part, director Atom Egoyan, whose career has been recognized with important awards at festivals such as Cannes and two Oscar Awards nominations, will receive the International Award. Egoyan has left an indelible mark on contemporary cinema thanks to its focus on issues of identity and memory.
The actor Fernando Esteso will also be honored with the "A Life of Cinema" award, in recognition of his prolific career in Spanish cinema. To celebrate, he will project the film, "Los Liantes," where he shared starring with Andrés Pajares.
New Andalusian Documentary and short films to contest
This year the Diputación de Málaga collaborates with the Festival through the cycle 'Nuevo Documental Andaluz', a section dedicated to the latest works of Andalusian filmmakers. Among the selected works are titles such as' La Singla ', about the life of the deaf dancer Antonia Singla, and' Osario Norte ', a tribute to the forgotten stars of Spanish cinema.
In addition, the official short film section remains one of the most expected activities of FICCAB, with 29 short films selected from over 1,200 international proposals. These short films include works starring renowned actors such as Patricia López Arnáiz, Itziar Ituño and Tristan Ulloa, while actresses such as Sara Sálamo and Marta Etura debuted as directors in this edition. The short ones will compete for the coveted awards of the Festival, such as the Benalmádena Girl, equipped with 2,000 euros for the best short film.
International proposals and Interfestivals
The internationalization of FICCAB is still present in the Interfestivals section, which this year will have a selection of short films from various festivals around the world. The programming includes works from countries such as Ghana, Egypt, Cameroon and South Africa, coming from the Madagascar Short Film Festival, as well as from the Rabat Morocco Short and the Split Mediterranean Film Festival.
The full programming of FICCAB is available on the official website www.ficcab.org and on social media. The entrance is free for all sessions, except the awards, where it will be essential to withdraw invitation at the House of Culture the day before, from 10: 00.
