The 26th edition of FICAB unveils a poster highlighting the multiple connections between cinema and archaeology
The poster is the work of graphic designer Juantxo Tolosa, from the Irun-based studio Soroxarta; its imagery reflects the many fruitful and imaginative connections that cinema has forged with archaeology
From November 16th to 21st, the public will be able to enjoy a total of 24 films covering a diverse range of historical subjects
In Irun, the arrival of November is synonymous with FICAB. The 26th edition of the Bidasoa International Archaeological Film Festival (FICAB) is just around the corner, and the Irun City Council’s Department of Culture is gearing up for the event—taking place from November 16th to 21st—by unveiling the official poster for this year’s edition.
As in previous years, the poster was created by graphic designer Juantxo Tolosa, from the Irun-based studio Soroxarta. This year’s design points to the numerous, fruitful, and imaginative links that cinema has established with the field of archaeology. The poster was unveiled today by Nuria Alzaga, First Deputy Mayor and Delegate for Culture, alongside FICAB Director Mélanie Doré, Oiasso Museum Director Ander Arrese, and the poster’s creator, Juantxo Tolosa.
Over the years, the festival has become firmly established within the region and the surrounding territory, evolving into the benchmark event it is today. It serves as an annual gathering point for a wide spectrum of works—ranging from projects by the most prestigious production companies specializing in historical and archaeological documentaries to smaller-scale productions distinguished by the high quality of their underlying archaeological research.
In the words of the delegate, "26 editions is no small number; it is a milestone that truly highlights the growth this festival has experienced over so many years. Looking back with perspective, this evolution has allowed FICAB to firmly establish itself within the region and the wider territory as the benchmark it is today."
It is worth noting that 24 films have been selected this year—across both the official and educational sections—from a total of 60 submissions. A notable feature of this year’s edition is the inclusion of films from countries such as France, Italy, and Chile, among others, all selected for their high quality and compelling content.
As is customary, the selected films will be screened in three sessions at the Amaia KZ auditorium: a morning sesión at 11:00 AM, which is part of the Educational Section, and two sessions—at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM—that make up the Official Section.
Furthermore, the Donostia-San Sebastián Aquarium will once again host a session on underwater archaeology. Additionally, all the films will be available to watch online via the Festhome platform throughout the week of the festival.
Tickets for the FICAB sessions will be available starting this coming Friday, November 6, at 10:00 AM; they can be obtained via the municipal website or at the Tourist Office located in the Luis Mariano gardens. They may also be picked up at the Amaia Cultural Center box office prior to the start of the sessions.
Jury and Awards
As in previous years, the jury will be composed of highly regarded professionals from the fields of audiovisual media and archaeology. This year, the jury will be chaired by Lourdes Herrasti, director of the archaeological team for the project to recover remains in the Cuelgamuros Valley.
Joining her as jury members are: Beatriz Agramonte, who holds a degree in History with a specialization in Art History from the University of Salamanca, as well as a degree in Humanities from the University of Zaragoza; Valentina Porcheddu, a journalist who holds a PhD in History, Ancient Languages, and Literatures from the University of Bordeaux Montaigne; Giorgio Studer, a speleologist and audiovisual creator who, until recently, headed the Department of Archaeological Restoration and Conservation for the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa; and Mertxe Urteaga, a PhD in Archaeology who is a member of the Historical-Artistic Heritage Service of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa.
The full list of this year’s awards is as follows:
- Festival Grand Prize: 2,000 euros
- Audience Choice Award: 1,000 euros
- EITB Award for Gender Perspective: 1,000 euros
- Educational Section Award: 750 euros
- Arkeolan Award for Scientific Outreach: no cash prize
Fugaz Awards
FICAB–the International Bidasoa Archaeological Film Festival–last year officially premiered as a Fugaz Awards Festival. The main objective of this initiative is to promote awareness and recognition of Spanish film festivals and forge communication and collaboration among the various events that take place.
