Instituto de Cervantes brings Película 2020 closer to home with its first-ever virtual film fest

‘We believe that culture is an important tool against the isolation and alienation that the pandemic has brought to our lives.’

Not even the Covid-19 pandemic can stop Instituto Cervantes in holding its annual Spanish Film Festival. In fact, the challenges brought by the pandemic have even paved the way for a bigger, more diverse festival this year.

Instituto Cervantes, together with the embassies of Spain, Thailand, and Australia in the Philippines, has launched the 19th edition of “Película: Spanish Film Festival” online and for free.

“Since its origins in 2002, Película has grown year after year and become the most significant festival of Spanish cinema in Southeast Asia,” says Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Moragas Sanchez. “This year, due to the unprecedented circumstances the pandemic, we decided to face the challenge and offer the festival online.”

The festival opened Oct. 3. It will run until Oct. 11. The lineup includes eight full length films, four shorts, and three round table discussion that will tackle timely topics relating to the future of film festivals and the industry as a whole.

Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Moragas Sanchez

“Película 2020 regional dimensions as our embassies in Australia and in Thailand are joining our efforts,” Amb. Jorge continues. “One of the most innovative features of this year the online access to the entire festival. Each film is available for free online viewing for 24 hours.”

La filla d’algú, a film directed by 11 students from the Escuela Superior de Cine y Audiovisuales de Cataluña, officially opened the festival. Other films in this year’s lineup are El increíble finde menguante,Asamblea, Jaulas, and Arima. Documentaries are also online, such as Mudar la piel and El cuadro.

“We believe that culture is an important tool against the isolation and alienation that the pandemic has brought to our lives,” the ambassador says. “Films and visuals are indeed a good refuge in these dire times.”

Join the festival at www.pelikula.es.

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Spanish Film Festival now open for free online