The ix reyes abades short film festival culminated in a vibrant awards ceremony on 7 November at the José María Rodero Municipal Theatre in torrejón de ardoz. The event, themed '3, 2, 1... ¡Acción!', featured a performance by the Impromadrid Theatre company, blending creativity, humour, and spontaneity with the celebration of cinema and live improvisation.
Local talent was prominently featured in the awards, with 'El reflejo de nadie' by Natalia Martín Puerta winning the Best Local Short Film award from the professional jury. The jury also recognised 'El jardín de la flor de acero' by Manuel Silva López with an honourable mention in the local category. Meanwhile, the young jury awarded the Best Local Short Film to 'Perspectivas' by Robert López Valverde.
In the category of Best Special Effects, the award went to 'Último superviviente a bordo' by Jorge Blas Borroy, whose team will receive a specialised masterclass at the reyes abades production studios. This initiative pays homage to the festival's namesake, a renowned master of cinematic special effects.
A highlight of the evening was the Tribute Award presented to actress Adriana Ozores, recognising her extensive career in film, theatre, and television. Ozores was a key figure in an event that celebrated the importance of cinematic culture and the professionals behind each audiovisual production.
The festival has seen significant growth this year, receiving over 300 national short films, of which 15 reached the final stage. Notably, the number of submissions from local creators increased from 12 to 19, marking a nearly 59% rise. Additionally, the participation of female directors rose, with seven films submitted compared to three in the previous edition.
The reyes abades short film festival was established to honour one of torrejón de ardoz's most illustrious residents, the acclaimed special effects master who lent his name to the competition. Throughout his remarkable career, Reyes Abades contributed to over 350 films and series, won nine Goya awards, and played a pivotal role in significant audiovisual events, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Spanish cinema.
The city council of torrejón de ardoz continues to promote this initiative, which supports cinematic culture, provides opportunities for emerging talents, and showcases local creators, solidifying its role as an important platform for promoting short films and national audiovisual talent. All local short films submitted will be available for viewing for one month via a banner on the website www.torrejoncultural.es.
