Festival de Cine de Madrid – Spain 2025

Background & History

The Madrid Film Festival (FCM-PNR), organized by the Plataforma Nuevos Realizadores (PNR), is a cornerstone of Madrid’s cultural landscape. Established in 1991, this festival has grown into one of Spain’s oldest and most respected cinematic events, dedicated to showcasing emerging filmmakers. Its mission is to promote innovative, independent Spanish cinema that often lacks mainstream commercial exposure.

Over three decades, the festival has become a vital platform for new talent, fostering a community of creators and cinephiles while earning a prestigious spot on the national festival circuit. As a qualifier for the Goya Awards, it plays a critical role in elevating short films to national recognition, making it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Event Highlights

• Official Sections: Competitive screenings of short films (up to 59 minutes) and feature films (60 minutes or longer) in categories like fiction, documentary, and PNR member-exclusive sections.
• Cine Sordo: A unique section featuring films in sign language, promoting inclusivity and diverse storytelling.
• Cine Molón: Family-friendly short films designed to engage and educate younger audiences.
• Zona Industria: Networking events and masterclasses with industry professionals, offering opportunities for filmmakers to connect and grow.
• Goya Awards Qualification: Winning short films in the official sections are eligible for Goya Awards consideration, a prestigious accolade in Spanish cinema.

Date & Duration

Dates: September 15 – 21, 2025
Duration: 7 days

Venue / Location

The festival takes place across multiple venues in Madrid, Spain, with the primary hub at:

• Espacio EDA: c/ Abdón Terradas nº3, ground floor, 28015 Madrid, Spain
  Additional screenings and events are held at iconic locations such as:
• Sala Berlanga: c/ Andrés Mellado, 53, 28015 Madrid, Spain
• Cines Zoco Majadahonda: Av. de España, 51, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
  These venues are known for their cinematic heritage and accessibility, offering state-of-the-art screening facilities.

Contact Information

• Email: info@festivalcinemadrid.es
• Phone: +34 662 686 621
• Website: festivalcinemadrid.es
• Office Address: Espacio EDA, c/ Abdón Terradas nº3, ground floor, 28015 Madrid, Spain

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Tickets are available online via the festival’s official website (festivalcinemadrid.es) and on-site at venue box offices.
• Pricing: General admission starts at approximately $6 USD per screening, with discounted passes for multiple sessions available (around $30-$50 USD for a festival pass).
• Special Options: VIP passes, priced at approximately $100 USD, include priority seating, access to exclusive networking events, and festival merchandise.
• Free Admission: Some parallel sections, like Cine Molón, offer free entry for children and families, subject to availability.

Cultural Experience

The Madrid Film Festival celebrates the diversity of Spanish cinema, showcasing bold narratives and experimental filmmaking. Visitors can expect thought-provoking films that explore social, environmental, and cultural themes. The festival fosters a vibrant atmosphere with post-screening Q&A sessions, where audiences engage directly with directors and actors. Special events include tributes to cinematic pioneers and discussions on contemporary filmmaking trends. The festival’s inclusive ethos is reflected in its Cine Sordo section, which highlights films in sign language, and its commitment to accessible venues ensures a welcoming experience for all.

Food & Drinks

While the festival focuses on cinema, nearby venues in Madrid’s vibrant neighborhoods offer culinary delights:

• Tapas: Sample classic Spanish tapas like patatas bravas, croquetas, and jamón ibérico at local bars near Espacio EDA.
• Churros con Chocolate: A Madrid specialty, perfect for a sweet break between screenings.
• Vermut Zarro: A traditional Madrid vermouth, often sponsored by festival partners, available at select events.
• Food Stalls: Some venues may feature pop-up stalls offering regional snacks and drinks during the festival.

Family & Accessibility

The festival is family-friendly, with the Cine Molón section tailored for children, featuring age-appropriate short films. Accessibility features include:

• Subtitled screenings for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
• Wheelchair-accessible venues at Espacio EDA, Sala Berlanga, and Cines Zoco Majadahonda.
• Sign language-interpreted events in the Cine Sordo section.
• Child-friendly activities and free entry for kids under 12 in designated sections.

Getting There

• By Air: Fly into Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD), approximately 15 km from central Madrid.
• Public Transport: Madrid’s metro system (Line 7 to Espacio EDA, Islas Filipinas station) and buses (lines 2, 16, 61) provide easy access to venues.
• By Car: Limited parking is available near Espacio EDA and Sala Berlanga; Cines Zoco Majadahonda offers ample parking.
• On Foot: Venues in central Madrid are walkable from key areas like Moncloa or Chamberí.

Submission Process

Filmmakers can submit works via Festhome or Movibeta from March 1 to April 7, 2025. The submission fee is $6 USD per entry. Films must be produced after January 1, 2024, and non-Spanish language films require Spanish subtitles. Selected films receive a screening fee, supporting emerging filmmakers.

Awards & Prizes

The festival offers cash prizes and Goya Awards eligibility:

• Best Short Film (Official Section): $240 USD
• Best Short Film (PNR Members): $180 USD
• Audience Award (Short Film): $180 USD
• Best Feature Film (Official Section): $300 USD
• Best Feature Film (PNR Members): $300 USD
• Audience Award (Feature Film): $300 USD
• Cine Sordo Award: $240 USD
• Cine Molón Award: $180 USD
  Additional awards recognize achievements in direction, screenplay, acting, and more.

Industry Engagement

The Zona Industria offers workshops, panels, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The LAB-PNR, held June 2-5, 2025, at the SGAE headquarters (c/c/Fernando VI, 4, 28004 Madrid), provides intensive training for filmmakers. Past guests include luminaries like Alejandro Amenábar and Iciar Bollaín, making it a hub for professional development.