Due to the past successes of its first seven seasons, organizers have doubled the number of films (this year more than 40!), gone from one to three venues and lengthened the film festival. Cultural events have also been calendared, in line with the theme of this year’s festival: Locos por el cine or Adik sa Pelikula.
With new partnerships forged by Instituto Cervantes, the cultural arm of the Spanish Embassy, and the strengthening support from Spanish filmmakers, last year’s attendance by cinema enthusiasts is expected to increase this year. Last year, more than 15,000 spectators attended the Festival.
Selection of films will be divided into four groups this year: Official section (at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas), a Cycle of Spanish & Filipino documentaries (CCP), Spanish Cinema in 8 Films (screened at College of Saint Benilde), and a selection of Latin American indie productions entitled Cine en construcción, also scheduled at College of Saint Benilde.
Película is organized by Instituto Cervantes, in cooperation with the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines, AECID, Ministerio de Cultura of Spain, Filmoteca del Ministerio de AA.EE. de España, Cine en Construcción, Spanish Program for Cultural Cooperation, Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, LRT, MRT, Cultural Center of the Philippines, College of St.Benilde, Greenbelt and Ayala Malls Cinemas. Special thanks to Dusit Thani Manila - the official hotel residence, Qatar Airways - the official airline, Jaguar – the official luxury car and welovepost - the official post and design boutique.
Other sponsors are Alba Restaurante Español, Barcelo Café, Espa-Fil, Bai Capture, Icon Graphics, PostManila, Tooth Fairy productions, Mapfre Insular Insurance Corp., and Embajada de México. Media partners: 2nd Avenue, Lifestyle Asia, Lifestyle Travel and Business Mirror, ClickTheCity.com and Spot.ph (Online), UR 105.9 and RJ 100.3 (Radio).
