On Saturday, 5 July, the town of l’Alfàs del Pi will roll out the red carpet for the 37th edition of its renowned Film Festival, launching the event with an opening gala that will pay tribute to Spanish actress Elena Irureta. The Basque performer, known for her powerful roles in Patria, El Comisario and Pecata Minuta, will receive the Silver Lighthouse Award, completing this year’s line-up of honourees alongside comedian Julián López and RTVE’s long-running programme Cine de barrio.
Festival director Luis Larrodera announced the news highlighting Irureta’s contribution to Spanish film and television. Her name will also be added to the Walk of Stars in l’Alfà s, located along the seafront promenade in Albir.
The festival opens with record-breaking figures: a total of 1,217 short films have been submitted — the highest number to date. Notably, 58% of these works have been directed by women, reaffirming the festival’s strong commitment to gender equality and the visibility of female voices in cinema.
Of the submitted works, 27 have been selected to compete in the Official Section, 9 in the Best Valencian Short category, and 10 in the newly created Animation Shorts section. This new category, launched in response to the growing popularity and quality of animated films, received 33 entries and includes a dedicated prize of €1,000.
Over the course of the nine-day event, more than 30 feature films will be screened in original version at the Cine Roma in l’Alfà s, including comedies, documentaries, family films and major releases such as Padre no hay más que uno 5.
The l’Alfàs del Pi Film Festival is also one of the most generous short film competitions in Spain in terms of financial awards, offering a total of €9,500 in prizes. The top award is worth €4,000, followed by €2,000 for the Silver Lighthouse, and €1,000 for third place. Additional prizes will be awarded for Best Valencian Short, Best Animated Short and Best Gender Perspective Short Film, the latter in collaboration with the association Huellas de Mujer.
The star attraction of the summer
Everything is set for the lights to go up and the screens to come alive in l’Alfà s, as cinema once again becomes the star attraction of the summer on the Costa Blanca.
Founded in 1989, the l’Alfàs del Pi Film Festival was born out of a passion for cinema and a desire to bring film culture to the heart of the Costa Blanca. Over the years, it has grown into one of Spain’s most respected platforms for short films, attracting both emerging talents and established filmmakers.
The festival’s hallmark Silver Lighthouse Award has honoured iconic figures in Spanish cinema, including Emma Suárez, Antonio Resines, Maribel Verdú and José Sacristán, cementing its reputation as a celebration of artistic excellence and lifelong contribution to film.
Beyond the red carpet and awards, the festival has long served as a meeting point for professionals, cinephiles and the local community, offering open-air screenings, workshops, talks and youth activities.
In past editions, the event has showcased a strong commitment to social issues, diversity and inclusion, with special sections dedicated to gender perspectives and regional filmmaking. Its blend of glamour and grassroots engagement makes it a unique and much-loved fixture on the Spanish cultural calendar.
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