The Thirtieth Zaragoza Film Festival: A Landmark Celebration of Spanish and Global Cinema

The Zaragoza Film Festival (FCZ) is proudly celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, cementing its position as a pivotal national cinematic event scheduled to take place from November 20 to November 29, 2025. This milestone edition has attracted significant international and national interest, demonstrated by a record-breaking volume of submissions: organizers received 1,669 applications from filmmakers spanning 53 countries worldwide. With crucial backing from the Zaragoza City Hall, the festival leadership has unveiled a robust and comprehensive program designed to spotlight three decades of unwavering commitment to audiovisual arts.

The program for this thirtieth iteration encompasses 123 finalist films, which will be presented across 14 distinct sessions covering the various competitive sections of the festival. Audiences can anticipate four highly awaited feature film premieres, alongside ten scheduled discussion forums and lectures designed to engage cinephiles. In recognition of excellence, the festival will bestow ten official “Augusto” awards, supplemented by numerous special recognitions that underscore the diversity of contemporary filmmaking. Founded in 1995 under the original designation “Jóvenes Realizadores” (Young Filmmakers), the FCZ has successfully preserved its founding mission to support cinematic creation, even as its structure and scope have evolved.

A core element of the anniversary festivities involves honoring several distinguished figures who have shaped Spanish cinema. Special tributes are slated for actors Pedro Casablanc, Pepe Lorente, and Javier Pereira, alongside actresses Antonia San Juan and Marta Belmonte. The contributions of veteran directors will also be recognized; notably, Manuel Gutiérrez Aragón is scheduled to receive the prestigious “Augusto City of Zaragoza” award. Details regarding this significant cultural event were officially presented by Festival Director José Luis Archelergues, known as “Archi,” and Sara Fernández, the Councilor for Culture, Education, and Tourism.

The official opening ceremony on November 20 will feature a screening of Pilar Miró’s iconic 1996 film, “The Dog in the Manger.” This acclaimed adaptation of Lope de Vega’s classic comedy is recognized as one of the final works by the esteemed director and famously garnered seven Goya Awards, including honors for Best Director and Best Actress. Furthermore, the “Zaragoza Industry Film” section will host the Spanish premiere of Moisés Salama’s “No sea tu falta,” a 70-minute documentary, which will be followed immediately by a dedicated meeting with the director.

The thirtieth anniversary showcase will culminate on November 29 at the “Mozart” Hall of the Auditorio, the venue for the official awards ceremony. Entry to the concluding gala evening, which will be hosted by journalist Moisés Rodríguez, will be free to the public until the hall reaches capacity. Separately, the competitive short films will be screened at the Cinemateca de Zaragoza from November 21 through November 25, offering wide public access to the selected works. Thus, in its thirtieth year, the FCZ emphatically confirms its role as an active participant in Spain’s cultural life, effectively linking cinematic heritage with promising new projects.