The Saraqusta Film Festival, known for its focus on historical cinema, has taken a significant step towards internationalization by presenting its sixth edition in Los Angeles, California. This event, held at the Instituto Cervantes, not only strengthens its global projection but also highlights the importance of cinema as a vehicle to revive and reinterpret history.
International Recognition in Los Angeles
The presentation at the Instituto Cervantes in Los Angeles brought together key figures such as José Ángel Delgado, the festival director, and Gerardo Freyo, the Consul General of Spain in Los Angeles. During the event, the Instituto Cervantes was honored with a Golden Dragon award, presented by Spanish actress Marian Aguilera, in recognition of its work in promoting Spanish culture and cinema. Aguilera emphasized the power of cinema to transform historical facts into lived experiences, a central mission of the festival. Gonzalo del Puerto, head of Cultural Activities at the Instituto Cervantes, while receiving the award, highlighted the rich cinematic tradition of Aragon, mentioning directors such as Segundo de Chomón and Luis Buñuel. Both del Puerto and Freyo emphasized the uniqueness of the festival for specializing in historical cinema, a niche that is uncommon within the global film industry.
Commitment to Historical Cinema
José Ángel Delgado, the festival director, emphasized that the presence in Los Angeles is a testament to the Saraqusta Film Festival’s commitment to consolidating the historical genre in world cinematography. Its proximity to Hollywood, the epicenter of global cinema, offers an unparalleled platform for positioning the festival as a reference for historical productions.
The sixth edition of the festival will take place from April 24 to May 1 in Zaragoza. The participation guidelines are available on the festival’s official website, with a registration deadline of February 20, 2026. Works can participate in the categories of Feature Films and Documentaries, in addition to a non-competitive section called Panorama Saraqusta.
Awards and Participation Criteria
The festival accepts both Spanish and international productions, including live-action and animated works, as long as they address the historical genre or have historical themes, contexts, or settings. Preference will be given to works that have not been commercially released in Spain. The awards include Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, and other recognitions, with cash prizes ranging from €1,000 to €5,000.
The jury, composed of personalities from the audiovisual and cultural worlds, will announce the winners on May 1 during the official press conference, followed by the closing ceremony. With this edition, the Saraqusta Film Festival reaffirms its commitment to being a beacon for historical cinema, attracting creators and audiences from around the world.
