

AWARDS LIST OF THE 29TH MALAGA FILM FESTIVAL: NEW VOICES IN SPANISH AND LATIN AMERICAN CINEMA
The Malaga Film Festival has once again established itself as one of the leading showcases for Spanish language cinema. With a diverse program and a strong presence of new talents, the festival has recognized several emerging works.
The winner of this edition was the film ‘Yo no moriré de amor’, directed by Marta Matute, which took home the Gold Biznaga for Best Spanish Film. Matute’s debut feature stood out for its narrative sensitivity and emotional portrayal, becoming one of the festival’s most acclaimed works. In addition to the top prize, the movie won other major awards, such as the Silver Biznaga for Best Female Performance for Júlia Mascort and the award for Best Supporting Actor for Tomás del Estal.

In the Iberoamerican category, the Golden Biznaga went to ‘El jardín que soñamos’, by Mexican director Joaquín del Paso. The film not only won the top prize in its section but also took home the Silver Biznaga for Best Director.
The Special Jury Prize went to ‘Iván & Hadoum’, directed by Ian de la Rosa, which also won the award for Best Screenplay, highlighting the strength of its narrative.
In the Best Actor category, the top prize went to Nicolás Zárate for his performance in ‘Hangar Rojo’, one of the festival’s standout films, which also won the Audience Award and the Critics’ Award.

In the ZonaZine section, Joan Porcel’s “La Carn” stood out as Best Spanish Film, and Karla Badillo’s “Oca” as Best Iberoamerican Film. Sections like these demonstrate the festival’s commitment to independent, documentary, and emerging cinema.
Beyond the awards, this edition has confirmed the growth of the Málaga Film Festival. With broad participation from industry professionals and a strong audience, the festival continues to promote new voices and the audiovisual sector. The 2026 awards reflect a clear commitment to emerging talent and intimate stories. ‘Yo no moriré de amor’ emerges as the winner of this edition, while the recognition of Ibero-American productions reaffirms the festival’s global character, leaving a rich, diverse, and promising cinematic landscape for the future of Spanish language cinema.
Words by @joaquinxbc