Published 14 September 2026 | Events

TL;DR: The 25th Almería International Film Festival unveils its new visual identity, combining iconic local symbols with its cinematic legacy as it prepares for a broad programme of events this November.

25th Festival Internacional de Cine de Almería Kicks Off

A design rooted in Almería’s cinematic past

This year’s Festival Internacional de Cine de Almería (Fical) celebrates a quarter-century since its inception, from 13 to 22 November 2026. The newly introduced poster and branding, crafted by local designer Mariano Carmona, cleverly integrate the Roman numerals XXV into a visual story reflecting the region’s strong ties to film. Each section of the numerals highlights distinct elements tied to Almería’s identity and its cinematic heritage. The first “X” branches into images of the sun, sea, and a movie camera. The second “X” features the festival’s chameleon logo set against desert landscapes. The “V” showcases a film reel alongside a silhouette of a desert gunslinger, referencing the iconic imagery from early festival years and nodding to the 60th anniversary of the legendary spaghetti western “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” famously filmed locally.

Celebrating local culture through festival branding

Almudena Morales, Vice President and Provincial Minister of Culture, Cine, and Almerian Identity, explains that the Roman numerals go beyond mere symbolic representation to become the core narrative framework of the poster. Far from decorative, these window-like shapes open a glimpse into Fical’s story, the province’s unique landscape, and the cultural spirit behind the festival. Together, they form an emblematic visual encapsulating 25 years of cinematic celebration intertwined with Almería’s identity — an image that locals and film fans alike can instantly recognize.

Film as a driver for the city and province

Joaquín Pérez de la Blanca, Almería’s Councilor for Culture, Education, Museums, and Traditions, emphasizes film’s enduring role in promoting the province beyond its borders. He points to recent high-profile productions shot locally, such as “The Mummy,” “Iván & Hadoum,” and the “Tomb Raider” series, illustrating how audiovisual projects continue to fuel employment, cultural vitality, and economic activity. In line with this, the city plans to open a new indoor filming set at the Casa del Cine, further bolstering Almería’s attractiveness as a production hub by offering comprehensive local resources for film shoots.

Institutional support and community involvement

Support from regional authorities is significant. Dolores Martínez, Andalucía’s Youth Delegate, outlines the region’s commitment with nearly six million euros in funding backing 59 projects across production and development stages. The Junta de Andalucía also sponsors Fical directly, providing key venues like the regional library for festival activities, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the event’s expansion. Meanwhile, festival director Enrique Iznaola highlights the vital role of local audiences and the many behind-the-scenes contributors who have nurtured the festival’s growth over the years. As the programme takes shape, attendees can look forward to a rich array of screenings and events reflecting both the prize-worthy cinema of today and the evocative history of films made in this distinct corner of Andalucía.

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