Festival de Cine de Málaga – Spain 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Founded in 1998 by the Málaga City Council, the Festival de Cine de Málaga (Málaga Film Festival) was established to promote Spanish-language cinema, spotlighting films from Spain and Ibero-America. Initially focused on Spanish productions, it expanded in 2001 to include Latin American films, reflecting Málaga’s growing role as a cultural hub.
• Tradition and Significance: Held annually in March, the festival is a cornerstone of Spanish cinema, showcasing a diverse array of feature films, documentaries, and shorts. It draws over 150,000 attendees, including filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals, making it a key platform for networking and cultural exchange. The festival’s Biznaga awards, named after Málaga’s jasmine flower, are highly coveted.
• Growth Over Time: From its modest start with 50 films, the festival has grown to screen over 200 titles by 2025, across multiple venues. It paused in 2020–2021 due to COVID-19 but resumed with hybrid formats, including online screenings via Filmin. The 29th edition (March 6–15, 2026) will feature a new “América, América” section to highlight indigenous and rural cinema from the Americas.
• Cultural Impact: The festival contributes €30–40 million annually to Málaga’s economy, boosting tourism and local businesses. It promotes Spanish and Ibero-American cinema globally, fostering cultural dialogue through initiatives like MAFIZ (industry events) and Ventana Cinéfila (educational screenings). Its commitment to diversity is evident in sections like Afirmando los Derechos de las Mujeres (Women’s Rights).
• Modern Developments: The 2026 edition will emphasize sustainability with digital ticketing and eco-friendly venues. The festival app, expanded for 2026, offers real-time schedules and virtual Q&As. New initiatives include Ibershorts, a competitive short film award for Ibero-American works, and enhanced accessibility with sign language and audio descriptions.
• Recognition: Recognized by Variety as a “must-attend” event for Spanish cinema, it’s a member of ProFestivales21, alongside Valladolid, Huelva, Seville, and Sitges festivals. Its focus on education and innovation earned accolades from Spain’s Ministry of Culture.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Official Section (Sección Oficial): Competitive screenings of Spanish and Ibero-American feature films at Cine Albéniz and Teatro Cervantes, with two Biznaga de Oro awards (€8,000 each). Films span drama, comedy, and social themes, selected for artistic merit.
  • América, América: A new non-competitive section in 2026, showcasing up to four films highlighting indigenous and rural communities of the Americas, with €2,000 per film for production costs. Screenings at Centro Cultural Mª Victoria Atencia.
  • ZonaZine: Avant-garde and experimental films, with two Biznaga awards (€4,000 each), aimed at emerging filmmakers. Held at Cine Albéniz.
  • Documentaries and Cinema Cocina: Competitive documentary screenings (€4,000 prize) and food-themed films (€4,000 for features, €2,000 for shorts) at Teatro Echegaray and Sala de Turismo y Deporte.
  • Short Films: Competitions for fiction, animation, and Málaga-based shorts, with Biznaga de Plata awards (€2,000 each). Screenings at Cine Albéniz and Mª Victoria Atencia.
  • Mosaico Panorama Internacional: Audience-voted international films with an €8,000 prize for Spanish distributors, screened at Cine Albéniz.
  • Ventana Cinéfila: Free online educational screenings (October 15–November 30, 2025, via Filmin) for schools, with 18 titles and didactic guides by Drac Màgic. Introduces students to audiovisual literacy.
  • MAFIZ (Málaga Festival Industry Zone): Industry events (March 9–13, 2026), including MAFF co-production market (deadline November 12, 2025) and networking for producers.
  • La Edad de Oro: Classic film screenings (VOSE) at Cine Albéniz, with workshops for seniors (55+) in collaboration with Fundación ”la Caixa”.
  • MOSMA: Music in audiovisual media festival (October 23–26, 2025, Teatro Cervantes/Echegaray), celebrating its 16th edition with Jerry Goldsmith Awards.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Biznaga Awards: Silver and gold jasmine-shaped trophies symbolize Málaga’s cultural identity.
  • Red Carpet and Galas: Opening/closing ceremonies at Teatro Cervantes, featuring Spanish stars like Antonio Banderas (a Málaga native and frequent attendee).
  • Málaga as a Film Set: The festival promotes Málaga as a filming destination via Málaga Film Office.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience Spanish and Ibero-American cinema in Málaga’s historic venues.
  • Parallel Events: Exhibitions, Q&As with directors, and street performances in Málaga’s Old Town.
  • Educational Focus: Ventana Cinéfila fosters critical thinking in students via film.

Date & Duration

• Dates: March 6–15, 2026
• Duration: 10 days
• Opening Hours:
  • Screenings: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM (Cine Albéniz, Teatro Cervantes)
  • Industry Events (MAFIZ): 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Box Office: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (February 27–March 15, 2026)

Venue / Location

• City: Málaga, Andalucía, Spain
• Main Venues:
  • Cine Albéniz: C/ Alcazabilla 4, main screening venue for Official Section and shorts.
  • Teatro Cervantes: C/ Ramos Marín s/n, for galas and Official Section.
  • Teatro Echegaray: C/ Echegaray 6, for documentaries and Cinema Cocina.
  • Centro Cultural Mª Victoria Atencia: C/ Ollerías 34, for América, América and shorts.
  • Sala de Turismo y Deporte de Andalucía: C/ Compañía 40, for documentaries.
• Notable Areas:
  • Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Near venues, hosting street events and markets.
  • Plaza de la Merced: Outdoor screenings and fan meetups.
• Google Maps Address: C/ Ramos Marín s/n, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Available from February 27, 2026, at 9:00 AM via festivaldemalaga.com, unientradas.es, or on-site at Teatro Cervantes, Cine Albéniz, and other venues (cash/card). Festival app for mobile purchases.
  • Accessibility: Email info@malagaprocultura.com for special needs.
• Admission Type:
  • Paid for screenings, galas, and MAFIZ events.
  • Free for Ventana Cinéfila (schools, online) and some parallel events.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Cine Albéniz Screenings: $6.48 (€6).
  • Teatro Cervantes Galas: $16.20–$32.40 (€15–€30).
  • Teatro Echegaray (Cinema Cocina): $16.20 (€15).
  • Other Venues: $6.48 (€6).
  • Maratón (March 15): $4.32 (€4, unemployed with valid ID).
  • Discounts: 10% for 5–9 tickets, 15% for 10–19, 20% for 20+ (excludes galas).
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Pricing:
  • Minimum: $4.32 (€4, Maratón for unemployed).
  • Maximum: $32.40 (€30, gala tickets).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • VIP Gala Seats: $22.68–$32.40 (€21–€30).
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating; contact info@malagaprocultura.com.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General: info@malagaprocultura.com
  • Press: prensa@malagaprocultura.com
• Phone: +34 952 224 109 (9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
• Fax: +34 952 212 953
• Website: festivaldemalaga.com
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @festivalmalaga
  • X: @festivalmalaga
  • Hashtag: #FestivalMálaga2026
• Key Staff: Organizer: Málaga Procultura, Málaga City Council
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email prensa@malagaprocultura.com by February 2026.
  • Volunteers: Apply via festivaldemalaga.com (January 2026).
• Response Time: 24–48 hours; English, Spanish support.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions: Red carpet galas and Biznaga awards celebrate Spanish cinema’s heritage.
• Music: MOSMA highlights audiovisual music, with live performances.
• Costumes: Formal attire for galas; casual for screenings.
• Local Customs: Engage in post-screening debates and tapas at Málaga’s bars.

Food & Drinks

• Specialties: Espetos (grilled sardines), gazpacho, jamón ibérico at nearby restaurants.
• Beverages: Tinto de verano, Cerveza Victoria (sponsor), coffee at Plaza de la Merced cafés.
• Cinema Cocina: Food-themed films inspire local dining experiences.

Getting There

• Airport: Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP), 10 km, $20–$30 taxi, $3 bus (Line A Express).
• Train: Málaga-María Zambrano Station, 1.5 km, $2–$5 from regional cities (renfe.com).
• Bus: Local buses to Old Town, $1.50 (emtsam.es).
• Parking: $5–$15/day near Cine Albéniz (saba.es).
• Accessibility: Venues wheelchair-accessible; email info@malagaprocultura.com.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Gran Hotel Miramar, $150–$300/night.
• Mid-Range: Hotel Soho Málaga, $80–$150/night.
• Budget: Hostal La Hispanidad, $30–$70/night.
• Airbnb: Old Town apartments, $50–$120/night.