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2024-11-26

BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, the mountain film festival suitable for all ages from December 6 to 15

Bilbao, November 26, 2024. The BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia festival presents its 17th edition to offer fans of the genre the best mountain cinema once again between December 6 and 15.

BILBAO

Euskalduna Congress Centre and Conference Hall and the Sala BBK will host Mendi Film 2024. In total, 24 film sessions will be offered, as well as 4 Mendi Talks and book presentations.

Euskalduna Bilbao has become a key member of the rope team as a venue. All the sessions and activities of both weekends will take place in different rooms of it. From December the 6th to the 8th and from December 13th to the 15th. Two of the three exhibitions of this year will be held there (Nos Queremos en las Cimas and Tximist 1974), the Mendi Pro day for the mountain film industry, four book presentations, and 16 film sessions will be offered, including the Opening and the Awards Ceremonies, the Non Stop sessions of the awarded films, and the novelty of this year, the Gau Magikoa -Magic night- family session.

The Sala BBK will host 8 sessions during the week, from Monday to Thursday, with two sessions per day. Since Mendi Film came to Bilbao from Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2012, this venue has been the festival's Base Camp, a warm meeting place.

OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday the 6th of December in the Main Auditorium of Euskalduna Bilbao (7.30pm), and will have three events:

- WOP MENDI FILM AWARD celebrating the centenary of the Basque-Navarran Mountaineering Federation.

- Film: NUPTSE. L'INACESSIBLE ABSOLU presented by the protagonist Hélias Millerioux.

- Tribute: In memory of the Japanese mountaineers KAZUYA HIRAIDE and KENRO NAKAJIMA, with the presence of Kazuya's wife and children.

GAU MAGIKOA

A new event for children and families that combines stories, theatre, music, and projections. A “magical” atmosphere that, combined with touches of humour, invites the imagination of the little ones and their families to fly.

A story, performed by the company Les Bobè-Bobé, and four films to link it together:

LEIZETA (Ion Fontela, 8 min, documentary)

CHIMBORAZO (Keyla Cepeda, 7 min, animation)

FALLIN' (Carlos Navarro, 11 min, animation)

SPRING (Andy Goralzcyk, 8 min, animation)

FILMS

226 films have been submitted to the Mendi Film festival, the highest number in the 17 editions of the festival.

- 49 FILMS have been selected on themes of mountains, adventure, extreme sports, and nature.

- 40 films at the Official Selection.

- 9 films at the Zabalandi Selection.

- The Mendi Film Bizkaia-Ternua Beka 2024 grant film: 'Peligro. No asomarse', by Dani Cascales.

- 'The Ghosts Above' by Renan Ozturk, IAMF Grand Prize 2024 awarded filmmaker.

Many of the producers and directors choose Mendi Film for the premiere of their works:

- 11 international premieres

- 24 Spanish premieres

- 8 premieres in the Basque Country

Origin: Spain (15), France (11), United States (7), Italy (5), Austria (1), United Kingdom (1), Slovenia (1), Canada (1), Switzerland (1) and Norway (1). There are also co-productions between the United States and Belgium (1), the United States and Canada (1), Switzerland and Italy (1), Switzerland and Poland (1), and Chile and Argentina (1).

12 of the films have Basque authorship and/or production:

Official Selection:

FLYING HANDS | Marta Gómez & Paula Iglesias

HAIZE LERROAK | Janire Etxabe

HIRU HAUNDIAK. TAUPADAK ETA GAILURRAK. | Ander Salsamendi Arbizu

MODO AVIÓN | Iciar Casatmitjana & Garazi Sanchez

THE LITTLE CANOE | Iñigo Grasset

UNA MIRADA ATRÁS. EL ARTE DE EQUIPAR. | Alfonso García

ZAZPI | Mikel Lizarralde Asurmendi

Zabalandi Selection:

ERRO | Amaia Lejarreta

GLAZIARRAK AGURTZEN: ANETO-AIREA | Iker Larrañaga

MOVING HIMALAYAS | Julio A. Valero

NOIE | Dani Castillo

PELIGRO. NO ASOMARSE | Dani Cascales Granados [Mendi Film Beka]

The films will be subtitled in Basque and Spanish.

AWARDS

A total of 24,800 euros is going to be shared out among the 12 prize-winners.

Grand Prize: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €6,000

Best Director: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €3,000

Best Script: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €2,000

Best Cinematography: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €2,000

Jury Award: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €2,000

Best Original Soundtrack: “Txalaparta” trophy & €2,000

EITB Award for Best Film in Basque: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €2,000

Best Mountaineering Film: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €1,200

Best Climbing Film: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €1,200

Best Culture & Nature Film: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €1,200

Best Sport & Adventure Film: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €1,200

Best Short Film: “Eguzkilore” trophy & €1,000

The winning works will also receive the Eguzkilore trophy and the Txalaparta trophy for the best soundtrack, crafted by the sculptor Iñigo Aristegui.

JURY

- Michael Dillon, Australian filmmaker

- Joni Cooper, former Canadian director of festivals such as Banff or Doxa-Vancouver

- Oscar Gogorza, Basque journalist and mountain guide

- Toon Hezemans, director of the Dutch Mountain Film Festival

- Haizea Huegun, Basque composer

ILLUSTRIUS GUESTS and MAIN CHARACTERS

Throughout the 10 days of festival, around 50 filmmakers, producers and athletes will be presenting their work on stage in Bilbao.

Highlights:

Hélias Millerioux

The French mountaineer is part of the world elite. He won the Golden Piolet in 2018 for his ascent of the south face of Nuptse. He has starred in two films and will participate in the Opening Ceremony of the Mendi Film.

NUPTSE: L’INACCESSIBLE ABSOLU | Friday the 6^th of December, Inaugural Session, Euskalduna Bilbao, 7:30 p.m.

LES JOURS SAUVAGES | Thursday the 12^th of December, Sala BBK, 7:30 p.m.

Erri de Luca

Italian writer, poet, and climber. His literary works have a great reputation internationally, he is a great reference.

L’ETA EXPERIMENTALE | Saturday 7 December, Euskalduna Bilbao, 17.00h

Aniqa Bano

Pakistani entrepreneur. She is the protagonist of the film 'Flying Hands'. She freed her daughter, who was born deaf, from suffering exclusion and stigmatization, and paved the way for education and social inclusion for a large deaf community.

FLYING HANDS | Saturday 7 December, Euskalduna Bilbao, 7.30pm

Eiza Kubarska

Polish filmmaker and mountaineer. Last year she received the IAMF Grand Prix. Winner of the Mendi Film Grand Prix 2021 with the film 'The Wall of Shadows', and many other awards at the most prestigious international festivals. She presents the portrait of the iconic mountaineer Wanda Rutkiewicz in the film 'The Last Expedition'.

THE LAST EXPEDITION | Sunday the 8^th of December, Euskalduna Bilbao, 17:00h.

Davina Beyloos Rosset & Seb Montaz Rosset

French filmmakers who have won numerous awards at the Mendi Film. Kilian Jornet, Charles Dubouloz, Hillary Gerardi... are renowned outdoor athletes who have chosen to join them.

ALWAYS ALIVE | Saturday the 14^th of December, Euskalduna Bilbao, 19:45h.

Silvo Karo, Thomas Huber, Sebastián Álvaro

Silvo Karo (Slovenia) and Thomas Huber (Germany) are two mountaineering and climbing legends, and Sebastián Álvaro (Spain) is one of the greatest promoters of the subject. They will present books based on their brilliant careers.

Silvo Karo – FAST AND LIGHT | Saturday the 7^th of December, Euskalduna Bilbao, 16.00

Sebastián Álvaro – MY MOUNTAINS | Sunday the 8^th of December, Euskalduna Bilbao, 16:00.

Thomas Huber – A WILD LIFE | Saturday the 14^th of December, Euskalduna Bilbao, 12:00.

EXHIBITIONS

Three major exhibitions with spectacular top-class photographs and a great historical heritage will be displayed in Bilbao from November until the end of the year:

CVCEPHOTO 2024

Exhibition of the 20 award-winning works of the CVCEPHOTO international mountain activities photography competition.

Bilbao Metro Stations | From November 15 to December 30

WOMEN AT THE BASQUE MOUNTAINEERING HISTORY

An exhibition that recognises the importance of women in the history of Basque mountaineering, created in the year of the centenary of the Basque and Navarrese mountaineering federations.

Euskalduna Bilbao | From December 6 to 15

THE TXIMIST 1974 EXPEDITION, 50 YEARS LATER

Exhibition of the Basque Mountaineering Museum EMMOA on the 50th anniversary of the Basque expedition to Everest in 1974.

Euskalduna Bilbao | From December 6 to 15

MENDI PRO

For this edition, a productive day has also been organised about the mountain film industry, aimed at professionals who work in one way or another in the sector and amateurs who want to immerse themselves in this industry.

MENDI PRO | Friday 13 December, Euskalduna Bilbao, 9:00-13:30h

INCLUSIVE: SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION

In sessions with guests, and with films in their original Spanish version that do not have subtitles in that same language, there will be sign language interpretation so that deaf people can enjoy the films and the subsequent talks.

Additionally...

2024-12-18

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9,800 spectators attended the 17th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, 34% up on last year festival

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2024-12-14

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‘Songs of Earth’ wins the Mendi Film Grand Price, a Norwegian film with “a magnificent cinematography, a poetic narration and a sublime soundtrack”

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2024-11-19

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2024-11-15

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“When carrying out a project, I ask what message I want to convey to my own understanding"

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2024-11-13

This year, Zinebi will feature the short film ‘The Last One’ in its official selection, directed by Ane Inés Landeta and Lorea Lyons. In this interview, we explore the elements that shaped this animation project, from the initial inspiration to the challenges faced.

"The aim of this project is to spark a dialogue between perspectives, prejudices, pressures, benefits, and fears surrounding motherhood"

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2024-11-08

Iratxe Fresneda will make her debut with ‘The Rotary Press’ in the Official Competition Section of ZINEBI. With the closure of Egin as the main theme, the short film deals with the fragility of memory and the places that human beings create to safeguard it. We spoke to the director from Bizkaia to find out more about her latest work.

"Filming ‘The Rotary Press’ has been like coming face to face with a passage of our history that should never have happened"

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2024-11-08

226 films have been registered as direct candidates to compete in Bilbao. This is the highest figure in the history of the festival, the edition with the most direct entries.

49 films in the Official Section and in Zabalandi of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2024

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2024-10-30

The Donostia-San Sebastian International Underwater Film Series (CIMASUB) enthusiastically presents the official trailer of its 48th edition, offering a preview of what will be a unique film experience that will take the audience to explore the immensity of the ocean and its secrets.

"Every image, a commitment", discover the CIMASUB 2024 trailer

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2024-10-30

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2024-10-23

The Donostia - San Sebastian International Underwater Film Festival (CIMASUB) celebrates its 48th edition and we are excited to present the full programme! This year, the festival offers a unique selection of film screenings, the always awaited Underwater Txikiziklo, and several photographic exhibitions. Get ready to dive into the depths of the ocean!

From the ocean to the big screen: Discover the CIMASUB 2024 programme

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2024-10-09

‘Sultana’s Dream’ nominated for the 2024 European Film Awards!

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2024-10-02

Ibermedia Next is a new modality of the Ibermedia Programme designed to promote innovation and collaboration in the strategic sector of Ibero-American animation. ‘Titan Tofu’, by the director María Luquero and the Basque production company Uniko, was one of the 14 beneficiary projects, which will be co-developed with 10 Latin American countries from Spain, Italy and Portugal. These pieces will tell Ibero-American stories through technological innovation in animation.

“Ibermedia Next has provided us with the resources and the time needed for testing new technologies, exploring innovative techniques and working alongside international teams”

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2024-09-28

We’ve reached the end of an exciting 72nd edition of the San Sebastián Festival, after enjoying 21 Basque productions and participating in various meetings with the international industry to continue expanding our cinema.

Awards for Basque Cinema and Professionals at the San Sebastián Festival

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2024-09-16

After having participated in the Official Selection of the Annecy Festival and having been selected to form part of the KIMUAK 2024 Catalogue, the animated short film ‘When It Comes (It Will Have Your Eyes)', by Izibene Oñederra, has been selected for the Zabaltegi Section of the San Sebastian Festival. We spoke to the director about the international trajectory of her work, and about this latest selection.

"Zabaltegi's formula of programming a short film together with a feature film and its commitment to more auteur cinema seems very interesting to me as a spectator"

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2024-09-16

The organising team of the Donostia - San Sebastian International Underwater Film Festival, CIMASUB, is deeply grateful for the incredible reception of our competition this year. We are honoured to share that, once again, we have exceeded expectations with an extraordinary participation that highlights the growing interest and passion for the underwater world.

Cimasub 2024, the edition with more works presented in 48 years of history, thank you for making it possible!

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2024-09-14

During the 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Festival, we will have the opportunity, as on previous occasions, to watch the first episode of the series ‘Go!azen’ at the Velodrome. To learn about the new features of this eleventh season and to get to know her character, we spoke with Nerea Elizalde, who plays Garazi. The Bilbao-born actress also told us about the projects she is currently involved in.

"Being part of ‘Go!azen’ offers us huge privileges, such as participating in the San Sebastian Festival; what we experienced last year was unforgettable"

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2024-09-11

Director Carmen Chaplin will explore the topic of her grandfather's Romany heritage in her new documentary, which will be featured in the Zinemira section of the San Sebastian Film Festival. With exclusive interviews and unprecedented access to Chaplin's legacy, the work offers a profound exploration of his Romany roots.

“I pitched the documentary at the Lau Haizetara Forum some years ago so it feels very poetic to return to San Sebastian now it’s finished”

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2024-09-09

The documentary, ‘That world that gives you nothing’ (Ese mundo que no te da nada), by Ernesto del Río, has been selected to feature in the Zinemira section at the next San Sebastian Festival. We chatted with the director and scriptwriter about his latest work and about the significance of its selection.

“Taking part in the San Sebastian Festival helps raise your profile with the public, the industry and the media”

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2024-09-07

On the 40th anniversary of ‘La bola de cristal’, the iconic television programme that marked an entire generation, the San Sebastian Festival becomes the perfect setting for the premiere of ‘Los poderes de Lolo’. Nino Fontán, Miguel Alba Rico and Itziar Bernaola are the directors of this moving documentary, and we had the opportunity to talk about the significance of bringing this project to the Zinemaldia, its creative process, and the relevance of keeping the legacy of a woman who revolutionised Spanish television alive.

‘It can be very revealing for younger people to discover the story of Lolo, a woman who is more from this era than the one she lived in’

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2024-09-06

The MENDI TOUR will start on the 6th of September, in the city of Monzón, Huesca, the second part of the year, which leads us into autumn

Autumm season of the MENDI TOUR 2024: Monzón, Bergara and Urnieta first stops

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2024-09-05

‘From Eight To Infinity’ is a film that follows the life of filmmaker Benito Ansola, with writer Miren Agur Meabe as his travelling companion, as well as the history of Basque cinema and cinema in the Basque language. We talked to the director, Naia Laka, about this documentary that will form part of the Zinemira section of the 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Festival.

‘Entering the Zinemira section is an enormous achievement, taking into account the weight and influence that Zinemira has on Basque cinema’

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2024-09-04

‘Replika', a documentary selected for the Zinemira section of the San Sebastian Festival, is a very personal project that reflects on the importance of images and how they allow us to preserve and relive memories. Pello Gutiérrez, scriptwriter and director, explains what inspired the creation of this work.

‘It was an aspiration for us to premiere at the Zinemaldia and it is clear that this means that the selection committee has rated the film very highly’.

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2024-09-03

This September, CIMASUB (International Underwater Film Festival) will bring to Hernani and Pasaia an impressive selection of films and photographic exhibitions dedicated to the underwater world. The first edition of the festival in Hernani and the third in Pasaia promise to be a visual and educational journey into the depths of our oceans, with a strong message of conservation and environmental protection.

The Cimasub Tour 23/24 continues: In September we arrive in Hernani and Pasaia

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2024-09-02

40 years after its premiere at the San Sebastian Festival, the feature film ‘Tasio’ (Montxo Armendáriz, 1984), restored by the Basque Film Library, will open the Klasikoak section of the San Sebastian Festival. Joxean Fernández, director of the Basque Film Library, talks about the process involved in restoring the film.

“Of all the films that have been screened so far, this one must be the most emotional”

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2024-09-01

Nest, the international short film competition for film students at the San Sebastian Film Festival, will feature the screening of ‘The Third Landscape’ by Julen Etxebarria. In this work, produced by Elias Querejeta Zine Eskola, the director will show us how the fungus Microsphaerella dearnessi, which affects the Insignis pine variety, has expanded across the landscape of the Basque Country even infecting the painted forest of Oma, the artwork of the Basque artist Agustin Ibarrola.

"Participating in the Nest section of the festival provides a boost to believe in and continue trusting the way one conceives cinema"

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2024-08-30

The San Sebastian Festival, taking place from the 20th to the 28th of September, will be a showcase for Basque cinema, with 20 productions included in the programme. This international event reinforces the fundamental contribution of the Basque audiovisual sector to the film industry.

20 Basque productions will feature in the line-up for the 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Festival

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2024-08-30

San Sebastian is preparing to host the 48th edition of the International Underwater Film Festival, Cimasub 2024, to be held on 21, 22 and 23 November. On this occasion, the official poster for the event features a stunning image captured by the winner of the Golden Banister for Best Photographer at the 2023 edition, Merche Llobera.

Presentation of the Official Poster for Cimasub 2024: A whirlwind of underwater life in San Sebastian

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2024-08-02

This August, film and ocean lovers have an unmissable date with two events that celebrate the beauty and challenges of the world's seas: the open-air Underwater Cinema in Bakio and the CIMASUB screening at the Itsas Film Festibala at the Aquarium of San Sebastian.

Two outstanding underwater film events in August: Bakio and Aquarium San Sebastián

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2024-07-30

After being open for the whole month of July, the photographic exhibition in the Los Lavaderos hall has come to an end. This exhibition presented 24 impressive images of the Canary Islands and other paradises of the world, captured by photographers from all over the world, including some of the best Canarian photographers. With this, all Cimasub activities in Tenerife have come to an end.

Great success of Cimasub in its first edition in Tenerife

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2024-07-10

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between CIMASUB and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote marine conservation and protect coral ecosystems, and we are incredibly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

CIMASUB and IUCN SSC Coral Specialist Group partner to boost coral conservation

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2024-07-04

The Zero Zabor Uretan (Zero Garbage in the Water) campaign comes to the Basque Coast in July aboard the Ecoactive Museum Ship Mater. This initiative, now in its fifth edition, aims to raise awareness of the problem of marine litter and promote waste prevention under the slogan "The best waste, the waste that is not generated". Various activities will be carried out to involve citizens in the conservation of the marine environment, highlighting the importance of waste reduction, as 80% of marine litter comes from waste management on land and lack of awareness.

Underwater cinema on board the Mater throughout July as part of the Zero Zabor Uretan campaign

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2024-06-26

Mendi Film and the Biscay Provincial Government announce the 5th edition of the Mendi Film Beka grant, aimed at the creation of documentary film projects whose aim is the audiovisual promotion of Mountain Culture.

The MENDI FILM BEKA 2025 grant open to amateur and professional filmmakers

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2024-06-21

The Express Film Festival is not an ordinary contest, it is an event where all the short films submitted to the competition are shot on the same day of the festival, in an "express" way. In just 10 hours, and with their own equipment, the participants have to devise, script, shoot and edit the works: quite a challenge!

REGISTRATIONS OPEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE XVI EXPRESS FILM FESTIVAL OF PORTUGALETE

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2024-06-11

The group “Casino Solidario” has invited Subacuáticas Real Sociedad and Cimasub to participate in a charity event in support of ALS, to be held at the Casino of Pamplona.

CIMASUB participates in charity event in Pamplona in support of ALS sufferers

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2024-06-08

The 17th of June is the last day to register the proyects

DEADLINE FOR WORK IN PROGRESS PROJECT SUBMISSIONS EXTENDED

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2024-06-05

The International Alliance for Mountain Film is proud to announce that the IAMF 2024 Grand Prize has been awarded to Renan Ozturk, in recognition of his career as a director of movies dedicated to mountains and climbers, realised with the competence of those who are part of the mountaineering community and the sensitivity of an artist, combined with great cinematography skills.

Renan Ozturk awarded with the 2024 IAMF Grand Prize

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2024-06-04

The touring exhibition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia mountain film festival has just culminated the first part of the 2024 season with very good attendance data: 9,600 people have enjoyed the 59 film sessions programmed in different 31 locations.

9,600 viewers have enjoyed the best mountain cinema with the MENDI TOUR 2024

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2024-06-03

The Cimasub Tour 2023/2024 continues unstoppable and this month arrives, in different formats, in Tolosa, Bilbao and Tenerife to continue with its objective of spreading the secrets of the seabed and raising awareness of the care and protection of these.

In June, CIMASUB visits Tolosa, Bilbao and Tenerife

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2024-05-31

Press Release:

Press Release: INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM AND MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL CONTEST RULES

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2024-05-17

The 17th edition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia to be held from 6 to 15 December 2024 now has its official poster. It is titled Fuego, by the French photographer Jean-Baptiste Liautard, and it has been awarded the Mendi Film festal poster prize along with 700 euros in the international mountain activity photography contest CVCEPHOTO organised by the Club Vasco de Camping Elkartea, club of San Sebastian.

The main image of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2024 burns with “Fuego”

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2024-05-17

It has been done so in recognition of their historical contribution to mountaineering and mountain values, coinciding with the celebration of the centenary of their founding.

The Basque Country and Navarre mountain federations to receive the WOP Mendi Film 2024 award

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2024-05-14

Information about FICAB

XXIV International Archaeological Film Festival of Bidasoa (Irun) inscription is open

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2024-05-04

Call for WIP project applications is now open

WORK IN PROGRESS CALL FOR ENTRIES

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2024-05-02

BIDEODROMO International Experimental Film and Video Festival starts in October 2024 in Bilbao (Basque Country) and is now accepting entries for its festival.

Have you released any experimental film or video recently? We want them for our festival!

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2024-05-02

The Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival, Dock of the Bay, will celebrate its seventeenth edition from June 17 to 22 at the Trueba Cinemas, Tabakalera and other venues in the city such as Le Bukowski, Kutxa Fundazioa (Kluba and Plaza) or Convento de Santa Teresa.

Dock of the Bay, the Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival, to be held from June 17 to 22, announces the names of the Jury and presents the image of this XVII edition.

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2024-05-01

This May we visited Errenteria and Zumarraga. Packed with film screenings, photographic exhibitions and underwater Txikiziklos, we arrived in these two towns with all our enthusiasm to continue promoting the care and protection of our seas and oceans. These underwater events are a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty and problems of the oceans, providing the audience with an enriching experience that seeks to inspire conservation and respect for our priceless marine heritage.

Errenteria and Zumarraga host a month full of activities to protect the oceans

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2024-04-29

From April 19 to June 10, six artists from the Basque Country will exhibit their work at the Randomize-Ize festival in New Taipei.

EXPERIMENTAL BASQUE COUNTRY FILMS IN TAIWAN

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2024-04-05

The eagerly awaited competition of the Donostia - San Sebastian International Underwater Film Festival, CIMASUB 2024, has officially kicked off. With a deadline for entries that runs until 15 September 2024, participants can now send in their works to compete in this increasingly prestigious showcase of underwater imagery.

Call for entries for the CIMASUB 2024 competition is now open

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2024-04-02

In April, the International Underwater Film Series, CIMASUB, comes to Azpeitia and Hondarribia. Lovers of the underwater world will be able to enjoy the 4th edition in Azpeitia, thanks to the sponsorship of the Sustainability Department of the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council, which will take place on Wednesdays April 10, 17 and 24 at 19:00 hours in Soreasu Antzokia, while the 15th edition in Hondarribia, will be held on April 11, 12 and 13 at 19:00 hours in the Auditorium of the Itsas Etxea.

Next stop of the Cimasub Tour: Azpeitia and Hondarribia

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2024-04-02

Film submissions are open for the 17th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia mountain film festival. It will take place from 6th to 15th December 2024. Interested producers, directors, and filmmakers must submit their films by 15th September 2024. Let's keep dreaming!

Film submission period for the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao - Bizkaia 2024 open until 15th of September

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2024-03-22

The deadline for submitting short films to the 2024 edition of KIMUAK will be open until the 21st of April.

Kimuak 2024 Opens Call for Submissions for Short Film Selection Process

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2024-03-05

Open the deadline to organize a screening of LABURBIRA

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2024-03-04

On Friday, the twenty-fifth edition of the International Underwater Film Series (CIMASUB) in Deba was unveiled. The presentation, which was attended by Mónica de Prado, 2nd deputy mayor of Deba Town Council, and David Sánchez, director of Cimasub, took place in the municipal plenary hall, where a Cimasub photographic exhibition is already on display. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and unravel the secrets of the oceans.

In March CIMASUB comes to Deba

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2024-03-02

The festival will celebrate its 17th edition from September 4 to 7

CALL FOR ENTRIES

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2024-02-16

The Málaga Film Festival will begin on the 1st of March, featuring Andrea Jaurrieta's debut of her film 'Nina' in the Official Section. The director tells us about the creative journey that brought this work to life.

“I greatly appreciate the Málaga Film Festival's commitment to diverse and independent cinema”

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2024-02-12

Imanol Ortiz López (Orlok Films) recently participated in Genre Rules, one of the new Inspirational Labs by WEMW. It involves a series of activities designed to encourage selected participants to develop new content and explore innovative business models. The producer has shared insights into the significance of this selection and provided an assessment of the overall experience.

“Taking part in Genre Rules has been a thrilling and immensely inspiring life experience”

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2024-02-11

Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren's film was honored with three accolades, and Martin Romero's work, produced by Uniko, won the prize for Best Animated Short Film.

20,000 Species of Bees and To Bird Or Not To Bird, Award-Winning Basque Productions at the Goya ceremony

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2024-02-08

This February, the International Underwater Film Series, CIMASUB, will captivate lovers of the underwater world in Lasarte-Oria and Zarautz. The 16th edition in Lasarte-Oria will take place on Monday 12th, 19th and 26th February at 19:00 at the Manuel Lekuona Cultural Centre, while the 14th edition in Zarautz will be held on Wednesday 14th, 19th and 28th February at 19:00 at the Modelo cinema.

In February CIMASUB immerses Lasarte-Oria and Zarautz in an underwater show

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2024-01-27

'20,000 Species of Bees' stood out as one of the main highlights at the Feroz Awards last night, securing a top accolade for Best Dramatic Film. Patricia López de Arnaiz was also recognized as Best Supporting Actress. Directed by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren, the film was not the only Basque production to shine in the winners' list; 'Upon Entry' and 'Foremost By Night' also received awards.

‘20,000 Species of Bees’, ‘Upon Entry’ and ‘Foremost By Night, awarded Basque productions at the Feroz Awards

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2023-12-18

The feature film '20,000 Species Of Bees' has won the Best Film Award at the Forqué Awards gala on the 16th of December. The debut film by director Estíbaliz Urresola Solaguren was nominated in the top category alongside 'La sociedad de la nieve', ‘Cerrar los ojos’ and 'Upon Entry', and also received the Award for Cinema and Education in Values.

'20,000 Species Of Bees' wins the Forqué Award for Best Film

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2023-12-17

The Jury composed of filmmakers Eliza Kubarska (Poland) and Patricia Ayala (Colombia), journalist Michael Pause (Germany), and Basque composers Juantxo Zeberio Etxetxipia and Nerea Alberdi, awarded the prizes in this new edition of the Mendi Film.

THE GREAT WHITE WHALE, winner of the Mendi Film Grand Prize, an inspiring story of mountaineers and sailors pursuing the dream of climbing Australia's highest and loneliest mountain

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2023-11-28

The BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia film festival will be held in three cinemas in Bilbao: Sala BBK, the Golem cinemas of Azkuna Zentroa and the Euskalduna Palace. A total of 30 film sessions have been scheduled for the 16th edition. In the parallel activities, 3 exhibitions have been set up, a day will be held for the mountain film industry, 4 masterclasses, a conference, and a panel talk. Tickets for the sessions are available through www.mendifilmfestival.com

17 World premieres at the 16th edition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia

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2023-11-22

The Dock of the Bay Musical Documentary Film Festival will be held from June 3rd to 8th, 2024, and is now open for submissions to its official sections.

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2023-11-19

The Mendi Tour 2023 circuit, has once again reached all of Spain, starting from the Basque Country. Mountain cinema sessions have been screened in 53 towns and cities -last year there were 46-, attracting 14,000 spectators and a 25% increase on last season's figure.

This year’s Mendi Tour has been a roadshow of record-breaking proportions: 14,000 spectators in 53 venues

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2023-11-13

In the 16th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, 57 films will be screened and there will be 3 exhibitions, 4 conferences. Edurne Pasaban will be presented with The WOP Mendi Film award. The IAMF Grand Prize winner, "K2 Touching the sky" by Eliza Kubarska will be screened, a masterclass will be given by the photographer Yhabril and a conference on the mountain film industry will be celebrated.

Films, exhibitions, conferences, the Jury... This is what the 16th Mendi Film will be like!

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2023-11-13

More than 2,500 pupils from Gipuzkoa took part in this educational tour in 2023 to promote ocean conservation.

Txikiziklo Submarino begins, an educational immersion in the sea

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2023-11-02

A visual immersion into the mysterious seabed and the relationship between man and nature.

Three stunning underwater photography exhibitions open in San Sebastian

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2023-10-24

The 47th edition of the International Underwater Film Series provides a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and challenges of the oceans. Free underwater screenings, exhibitions and educational activities are coming to San Sebastian, organized by Subacuáticas Real Sociedad.

CIMASUB 2023 Festival. The underwater visual feast of San Sebastian is here. Presentation of the official trailer.

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2023-09-30

The 71st edition of the San Sebastian Festival has featured a total of 14 Basque productions, two of which have been awarded. Congratulations!

Basque Productions Awarded at SSIFF 71

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2023-09-29

The Bilbao director Josu Martínez will present his second work in the Zinemira section of the San Sebastian Festival. ‘Mirande: film bat egiteko zirriborroa’, is a documentary coproduced by La Tentación Producciones and Gastibeltza about the controversial writer Jon Mirande, considered one of the most important poets in Basque literature of the 20th century. “Mirande is said to be a racist. A paedophile. A Nazi. A misogynist. Immoral. Every time he is mentioned, controversies flare up. We don't know what to do about him. I want to make a film about Mirande. But I don't know how. Perhaps the most interesting thing to do would be to let him have his say”. This is how Josu explains the work he will present at this Zinemaldia.

"I have long thought that there was an untold story in Jon Mirande"

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2023-09-27

The feature film 'Bizkarsoro,' directed by Josu Martínez, will also compete in the Zinemira section of the San Sebastián Festival. The story encompasses five true stories based on written and oral testimonies, which take place between 1914 and 1982, in a village that does not exist. Produced by Gastibeltza Filmak, Adabaki Ekoizpenak, and Tentazioa Produkzioak, the work highlights the social changes experienced by a small village during the 20th century. The radiation and the end of a language, and the fight to survive.

“‘Bizkarsoro’ is a grassroots project, created with the help of more than 200 residents of Baigorri"

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2023-09-27

‘Contadores’ is one of several Basque productions that will be on show at the 71st San Sebastian Film Festival. The short film directed by Irati Gorostidi had its world premiere at the Cannes Critics' Week and will compete in the Zabaltegi Tabakalera section of the Zinemaldia. Produced by Apellaniz & de Sosa, as well as Tractora and Pirenaika, the film is about a trade union negotiation in the 1970s and features a cast made up of amateur actors.

“Being able to participate in the Cannes Critics' Week was a huge accolade that put ‘Contadores’ in the spotlight and will help promote future projects”

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2023-09-26

The highly anticipated Bilbao Surf Film Festival 2024 announces that entries to register films for its next edition are officially open. Filmmakers and surf lovers from around the world will be able to submit their masterpieces until December 15, 2023 free of charge.

Call for entries for the 9th edition of the Bilbao Surf Film Festival 2024!

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2023-09-26

'A Deep Breath’ is the work that will be presented by directors Bertha Gaztelumendi and Rosa Zufía at the Basque Cinema Gala. In the documentary, both directors dive into the films made by female Basque filmmakers of different generations. The film is to be screened today, 26 September, at the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and will compete for the Irizar Basque Film Award. As a sign of the understanding between the two, the directors have agreed to take part in a joint question-and-answer session.

“Despite the difficulties and being invisible, women have made films, are making films and will go on to make films, each with her own point of view”

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2023-09-15

'Mission to Mars' will be screened out of competition in the Zinemira section. Amat Vallmajor del Pozo's film participated in WIP Europe, was also screened at the Berlin Critics' Week and earned a mention at the Gijón Film Festival. The feature film, produced by Elias Querejeta Zine Eskola, Muxika Zinema and Vitrine Films, portrays a post-apocalyptic Basque Country, where two brothers set off on a mission. We spoke to the director about his participation in the San Sebastian Festival and the challenges he has set himself ahead of the film's theatrical release on 29 September.

"Although its aesthetics are dark and radical, 'Mission to Mars' appeals to everyone, as well as to human relationships, in particular that of three brothers"

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2023-09-12

After winning the FIPRESCI Prize in Tallinn (Estonia) and the Best Film Award at the Kolkata Film Festival (India), 'Upon Entry', the debut feature film by Alejandro Rojas and Juan Sebastián Vásquez, will feature in the Made in Spain section of the San Sebastian Festival. Carlos Juarez, from Basque Films (one of the producers of the film together with Zabriskie Films and Sygnatia), assesses the background behind this film.

"Upon Entry, being a film d'auteur, was aimed more at prestige audiences than the mainstream, but we succeeded in bringing it closer to being a thriller"

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2023-09-01

A key event on the international film scene kicks off on 22 September, the 71st edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival, which will fill the city with cinema until 30 September. In addition, the event will have a considerable Basque presence, as it has selected a total of 14 works that show the excellent state of audiovisual production in the Basque Country.

The San Sebastian Film Festival will be represented by a total of 14 Basque productions at its 71st edition

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2023-08-29

Tomorrow, 30 August, the Venice International Film Festival, one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, will begin. Basque director Víctor Iriarte will present his debut film 'Foremost by Night'.

Basque director Victor Iriarte's 'Foremost by Night' will make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

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2023-08-17

Víctor Iriarte will debut his film ‘Foremost By Night’ at Venice International Film Festival, which begins on 30 August. In this interview, the director tells us how he is approaching this prestigious event.

“The ultimate goal of filmmaking is to share a film in the cinema, and it means a lot for it to happen in a prestigious section like Giornate”

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2023-08-12

The film, directed by Ekain Albite, Adrià Roca, Nicolau Mallofré and Mikel Ibarguren and produced by Maluta films and Cornelius Films, has celebrated its world premiere in the Swiss city and competed with 13 other films by emerging filmmakers presenting their first or second feature-length films.

‘Negu Hurbilak’ receives Special Mention from the Jury of Cineasti del Presente section at Locarno Film Festival

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2023-08-01

The Locarno Festival, one of the main events for experimental and auteur cinema, will take place starting tomorrow, August 2nd, and will provide the perfect platform for the world premiere of the film 'Negu Hurbilak', which has been chosen to participate in the Cineasti del Presente section.

Strong Presence of Basque Cinema at Prestigious Locarno Festival

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2023-07-18

‘Anekumen’, selected to participate in Locarno Residency

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2023-07-14

Three Basque productions competing at the San Sebastian Festival

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2023-07-05

‘Negu hurbilak’ will have its premiere at Locarno’s Cineasti del Presente competitive section!

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2023-07-05

“Being at Locarno is a utopian dream come true”

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2023-06-15

Spectacular data and great atmosphere in the Mendi Tour circuit in 2023. In the winter-spring season, during the first half of the year, it has had 34 venues, with a total of 64 film sessions, and 10,800 spectators.

The MENDI TOUR is on par with the best data with 10800 spectators in the first half of the season

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2023-06-09

Basque animation will show its potential at Annecy

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2023-06-02

Itsasmuseum presents in collaboration with Nakusarbe the 2nd edition of the Basque Environment and Ocean Week. A week for marine sustainability and the environment with activities for all audiences that will take place at Itsasmuseum from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 June.

CIMASUB comes to BILBAO as part of the Basque Environment and Ocean Week 2023

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2023-06-01

The competition for the 47th edition of the San Sebastian International Underwater Film Festival, CIMASUB 2023, is now underway. The deadline for submitting entries to the competition is officially open, with a deadline of 20 September 2023. You can now submit photo galleries, short films and documentaries to participate in our competition.

Call for entries for the CIMASUB 2023 competition is now open

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2023-06-01

The author of the photograph is Gonzalo Bartolomé Tierra 'Yhabril Moro'

"X-Man" by Yhabril Moro is the image of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2023

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2023-05-30

Basque cinema, protagonist in Kraków

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2023-05-15

Cannes, one of the best showcases for Basque cinema

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2023-04-28

The Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival, Dock of the Bay, which will take place from the 1st to the 6th of May, 2023, has presented this morning at a press conference the films in competition. In the words of Eva Rivera, director of the Festival "in this sixteenth edition, we will continue to bet on quality and independent cinema. Offering unprecedented programming and promoting dialogue between creators and spectators. We are committed to inclusion and diversity, to open spaces for reflection and to bring us closer to the world. In addition, we will strive to be a festival respectful of our environment, that promotes slow culture and that you can feel close to. A festival where the human is present and people are the measure of all acts". In this sixteenth edition, 25 documentaries will be screened.

Dock of the Bay, the Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival, presents its entire program.

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2023-04-19

The Cannes Critics' Week has selected the work 'Contadores', by Irati Gorostidi, for the Official Short Films Section. It is a project of the producers Apellaniz and De Sosa, Tractora and Pirenaika, and which has formed part of the catalog Kimuak 2022, which is currently managed by Zineuskadi.

'Contadores', in the Cannes Critic’s Week!

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2023-04-04

Dock of the Bay, the Donostia Music Documentary Film Festival presents its live radio programming and the collaboration with venues in the city such as Altxerri and Dabadaba.

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2023-04-01

The deadline for film registrations for the 16th edition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia festival is open from 31 March to 15 September.

Film registrations period opened for the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia 2023

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2023-03-22

The WOP-The Walk On Project Foundation and the Mendi Film Festival Association are awarding the WOP Mendi Film 2023 Foundation Award to Edurne Pasaban, mountaineer and businesswoman from Tolosa, Gipuzkoa. She is first woman to complete the 14 eight-thousanders, the highest mountains on the planet. The award ceremony is going to take place at the Opening Ceremony of the 16th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia, on December the 8th 2023, at the Euskalduna Congress Centre in Bilbao.

Edurne Pasaban WOP Mendi Film 2023 Award

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2023-03-09

Basque cinema will show strength at the Málaga Film Festival

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2023-03-01

The San Sebastian LAU HAIZETARA Documentary Coproduction Forum is preparing the next edition! San Sebastian, 25-27 September 2023 The open call for the presentation of projects will begin in April and will be communicated via the usual channels.

XIX EDITION OF THE SAN SEBASTIAN LAU HAIZETARA DOCUMENTARY CO-PRODUCTION FORUM

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2023-02-25

Estibaliz Urresola and Sofia Otero shine in Berlin

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2023-02-22

This year the International Alliance for Mountain Film decided to award the Grand Prize to Eliza Kubarska, in recognition of her career as a director of documentaries capable of investigating the human events hidden behind great adventures

The International Alliance for Mountain Film is proud to announce that its 2023 Grand Prize has been awarded to Polish director Eliza Kubarska

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2023-02-15

Basque cinema will stand out again at Berlinale

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2023-02-10

Basque cinema will try to bring this brilliant year to a marvelous conclusion at the Goya Awards

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2023-02-02

The projects 'Negu hurbilak' and 'Sobre todo de noche', selected to participate at the D'A Film LAB

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2023-02-02

“With ‘Negu Hurbilak’ in the Work In Progress section of the D’A Film Festival, we finish a stage for the film”

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2023-01-24

On January 26th, Basque. Audiovisual. will join to the 'Producers meet Producers' meeting organized within the framework of the FIPADOC Festival.

Basque Audiovisual will be attending to the 'Producers meet Producers' meeting

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2023-01-23

'20.000 species of bees’ and ‘Samsara’ to premiere at Berlinale!

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2022-11-28

The strength of Basque cinema is evident, once again this year, with the implementation of projects that continue to receive awards, critical acclaim and audience praise, as much at festivals as in cinemas and on streaming platforms.

Basque productions also protagonists in Ventana Sur

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2022-11-11