Lanzarote Film Festival Expands State-Wide with Official Section in Madrid

The festival, running from May 13 to 26, selected 67 short films from 17 nationalities out of 2,760 submissions.

Generic image of a library or presentation room interior with a microphone and empty chairs.
IA

Generic image of a library or presentation room interior with a microphone and empty chairs.

The Lanzarote International Film Festival (FICL) has taken a significant step in its expansion by presenting its official competition section outside the island for the first time, in Madrid.

The presentation, held at the headquarters of DAMA (Audiovisual Media Copyright), marks a milestone in the festival's trajectory, consolidating its national projection and increasing its visibility in the national and international cinematic landscape.
The 2026 edition of FICL, scheduled from May 13 to 26, will bring together a carefully curated selection of 67 short films in Lanzarote. These works originate from 17 different nationalities and were chosen from a total of 2,760 submissions received from 102 countries.
For two weeks, the island will transform into a meeting point for filmmakers, industry professionals, and the public, offering a program that integrates film exhibition, training activities, and a strong social commitment. The festival maintains short films as the central pillar of its programming, championing new audiovisual narratives.
The official sections will cover various categories, including animation, documentary, national and international fiction, and Canarian short films, providing a diverse overview of contemporary cinema in short format. This event reinforces FICL's role as a platform connecting creators, the industry, and audiences, extending beyond the insular scope.

"The festival continues to grow and project the island as a reference point for cinema."

Jesús Machín Tavío · Councillor for Culture of the Cabildo de Lanzarote
The event is organized by Fisme Producciones and supported by various entities such as the Government of the Canary Islands, the Lanzarote Film Commission, the Canarian Institute of Cultural Development, Promotur Turismo de Canarias, the Arrecife City Council, and the Art, Culture and Tourism Centers of Lanzarote. These collaborations solidify Lanzarote's position as a key territory for audiovisual creation and the international film industry.