Filmmakers and audiovisual creators have until September 6th to submit their works for the XIV Santa Pola Film Festival. The event, organized by the Santa Pola City Council, will take place on October 29th, 30th, and 31st, 2026, at the Casa de Cultura, embarking on a new phase with a clear vision for growth and national reach.
For the first time, the call is open to creators from all over Spain, expanding the festival's scope while maintaining its commitment to Valencian, Alicante, and Santa Pola's young creators. The new regulations establish a competitive structure with national, regional, and local youth categories.
Another significant novelty is the expansion of accepted works: fiction, animation, and documentary short films up to 59 minutes in duration are welcome. The prize money has also been increased, with awards for the best national, regional, Alicante, and Valencian-language short films, in addition to local and audience awards.
The organization encourages creators to participate before the deadline. All information and rules can be found at [https://www.racojove.com/certamen-autonomico-de-cortos-santa-pola/](https://www.racojove.com/certamen-autonomico-de-cortos-santa-pola/).
Throughout its previous editions, the festival has recognized talent such as actor and director Carlos Iglesias, filmmaker Javier Marco (Goya Award winner), Álex Rey, Álvaro García Company, and the Gallego Bros. It has also featured winners like magician and filmmaker Jandro.
The new phase also strengthens the festival's organization with the incorporation of director, producer, and cultural manager Miguel Herrero Herrero, a member of the Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences. Herrero, with extensive experience in film and festivals, has previously been recognized at the Santa Pola festival as a producer.
Through this transformation, the Santa Pola City Council continues to support a cultural project that attracts talent, enhances audiovisual activity, and promotes the municipality's cultural and tourist image.
