Alcalá de Henares is preparing to light up its cinema at the 54th edition of ALCINE, the film festival that, from November 6 to 16, will once again turn the city into the cinematic epicenter of the Community of Madrid. With the backing of Isabel Ruiz Maldonado, deputy mayor and Councilor for Culture, and Santiago Alonso, Councilor for Culture, the event will feature a rich and varied program that challenges attendees to view cinema in a new light.
During the presentation, Alonso stressed: "The festival returns with a clear premise: light as origin and challenge. Because cinema is born from putting light and movement into an image. ALCINE has kept that light alive for more than five decades."
Ruiz Maldonado emphasized the collaboration between Culture and Tourism, highlighting initiatives such as the Alcalá Film Jam, which since 2023 challenges new audiovisual languages, and the Cantera section, intended to consolidate an industrial fabric that supports emerging talent in cinema.
The opening gala, scheduled for November 7 at the Teatro Salón Cervantes, will be attended by director Álex de la Iglesia. Her participation completes a circle started when, in 1990, she won the 16 mm section of ALCINE with "Mirindas asesinas". This year, De la Iglesia will receive the Piedra Angular Award, recognizing his influential career in Spanish cinema. Alonso highlighted: “Thirty-five years ago, Álex de la Iglesia surprised us right here. This tribute is a well-deserved recognition of his impact on generations of filmmakers.”
The festival will screen 47 selected short films from more than 1,300 entries, competing in the National and European competitions, both of which qualify for the Goya Awards and the Oscars. ALCINE 54 will expand its offering with new thematic sections such as (J)ALCINE for comedy and AL(U)CINE for fantasy and horror cinema, in addition to ALCINE Equality.
The event not only aims to entertain, but also to educate and train the attendees. With activities such as Off-ALCINE and Cantera Alcalá Short Film Lab, emerging filmmakers will have unique development opportunities. Furthermore, the festival will organize professional meetings and talks at ALCINE Talks, in addition to activities suitable for all audiences such as Short Music and ALCINE Kids children's workshops.
The exhibitions will be no less impactful, dedicated to iconic figures such as Iván Zulueta and Álex de la Iglesia, and will close the festival with a tribute to the surreal world of David Lynch.
All the information about the festival is available on its website. ALCINE 54 promises not only to illuminate the screens, but also the creative spirit of Alcalá de Henares.
