The gala of the XV Simón Awards of Aragonese Cinema, held at the Principal Theater in Zaragoza, highlighted the cinematic talent of the region, with the General Director of Culture of the Government of Aragón, Pedro Olloqui, emphasizing the international projection of local talent.
Acknowledgment and Tribute at the Gala
During the ceremony, Olloqui remembered Ignasi Camós, the General Director of the Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts, who recently passed away. Camós was a key figure in promoting cinema in Aragón, driving the First National Meeting of Film Festivals in Zaragoza. This event has been fundamental in consolidating the network of film festivals and exhibitions in the region, providing a crucial platform for young filmmakers.
Main Award Winners of the Simón Awards
Among the winners of this edition, the feature film Rider, directed by Ignacio Estaregui, won the award for Best Feature Film. In the category of Aragón Tourism Award, Sirat by Oliver Laxe, filmed in the landscapes of Teruel, was recognized for its contribution to film tourism. This work also allowed Yasmina Praderas, originally from Huesca, to obtain a Goya and a nomination for the Oscars in the sound category.
The award for Best Documentary went to Borau y el cine by Germán Roda, while Una bombilla en California by José Manuel Herraiz received the award for Best Short Film. Additionally, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Leonor Bruna, recognized for her multifaceted career as a director, screenwriter, actress, producer, and educator, as well as for her work as the founder of the Film School Un Perro Andaluz.
Importance of the Simón Awards
The Academy of Aragonese Cinema and Audiovisual organizes the Simón Awards annually to recognize and promote the cinematic talent of the region. The statuette, which symbolizes the character from Buñuel in Simón in the Desert (1965), has become an emblem of Aragonese cinema, standing out both nationally and internationally.
