Malaga Film Festival
Every March, Malaga city centre gets yet another glamorous makeover when the Festival de Málaga, Malaga’s much-loved film festival and 11-day celebration of Spanish-language cinema, commences its annual run.
Over 200 films are shown at spectacular venues across the city – including Teatro Cervantes, Cine Albéniz and even the Picasso museum – with Calle Larios and Calle Alcazabilla serving as both a red carpet and an exhibition space.
The star-studded opening night, historically attended by the biggest names in Spain’s film industry, is broadcast live on a massive screen in Plaza de la Constitución, so everyone can share in the magic.
“Biznaga” awards
Around 20 of the best feature-length films compete for the main prize in the Festival’s Official Selection, with two winners receiving “Golden Biznaga” awards, for best Spanish picture and best Ibero-American picture, respectively.
“Silver Bizanaga” awards are handed out for other categories of film, including Documentary and Short Film.
The festival also has an International Premieres category, featuring films from non-Spanish-speaking countries which have not yet been released in Spain. These are shown in VOSE (original version with subtitles in Spanish).
No need to leave the kids at home either – there’s a Children’s Cinema section showcasing animated movies for the whole family to enjoy.
The 2023 Malaga Film Festival
The 2023 edition of the festival will take place from 10 to 19 March. Aside from screenings, other events include a Masterclass from actress Pilar Gomez, an exhibition by long-time Festival photographer Eloy Muñoz on Calle Larios, and various round table debates on issues such as the marginalisation of women in Spanish cinema.
More information about these events is available on the ‘Actividades’ section of the festival website.
Tickets for screenings of films from the Official Selection at Teatro Cervantes can be bought for 12€. All other screenings are just 6€ and can be purchased on the festival website or at the box office on the day.
You can find the Festival’s official programme here.
An English teacher and part-time writer with a love for literature and culture, Jen first swapped the Scottish gloom for the Spanish sun in 2019 when she arrived in Córdoba for her Erasmus year before moving to Malaga in 2021.