The Endimaris Sitges LGTBIQ+ Film Festival has closed its fifth edition, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and cinematographic panorama. From October 30 to November 9, Sitges became the epicenter of diversity, inclusion and historical memory of the LGTBIQ+ collective, attracting more than 1,300 spectators who vibrated with a high level programming.
A Prize Winner That Celebrates Diversity and Talent
The Closing Gala, proudly presented by the festival director, Owen John Holden, was the scene of an exciting awards ceremony that recognized excellence and social commitment. The jury, made up of the activist Max Talisman, the singer and actress Rocío Saiz and the journalist David Àvila, highlighted the high quality of the productions presented.
The Best Short Film Award went to the Iranian production Son by Saman Hosseinpour, a choice that underlines the importance of giving visibility to LGTBIQ+ realities in countries where the community faces significant challenges. How does this election resonate in a global context where freedom of expression and diversity still fight for space?
Catalan talent also shone with its own light: the animated short The 7th Avenue won the Award for Best Catalan Production. For its part, the Audience Award and Best Director went to José Luis Lázaro for his moving work Cólera. A special recognition deserves Celeste González, who won the Best Performance Award for her work in Intercambio, an award that Endimaris Sitges gives without distinction of gender, reaffirming its commitment to equality. The Special Mention of the Jury went to Violetas by Borja Escribano.
In addition, the festival paid a well-deserved tribute to the Fire LGTBIQ+ Cinema Exhibition in Barcelona with the Special Endimaris Award, recognizing three decades of tireless work in making the group visible through cinema. A call to institutions by Xavier Daniel, co-founder of Fire, reminds us of the need for the LGTBIQ+ voice to resonate in every corner.
My heaven, your hell: A Closing with Ovation
The final touch of the festival was the emotional film My heaven, your hell, by Valencian director Alberto Evangelio. Accompanied by a powerful female team—the protagonists Tania Fortea and Sandra Cervera, the producer Lucía Ros, the screenwriters Noelia Martinez and Ana Piles, and the person responsible for the soundtrack Joana Subirats—, Evangelio presented an impossible love story set in Spain in the 60s and 70s, which deeply moved the public. The final ovation was a testament to the impact of this work.
Endimaris 2025 in Figures: A Festival on the Rise
Ten days of screenings at the Casino Prado in Sitges, 22 feature films and 20 short films in 23 sessions, and 1,300 spectators. These figures not only speak of success, but also of the consolidation of Endimaris Sitges as an international benchmark. With films from 16 different countries, 15 premieres in Catalonia and 11 nationally, and 14 Spanish and 9 Catalan premieres, the festival stands as a fundamental showcase for audiovisual talent, giving voice to the LGTBIQ+ community.
A Luxury Pink Carpet and Unique Experiences
The Endimaris Sitges pink carpet welcomed prominent figures from cinema and the LGTBIQ+ collective, such as the activist Max Talisman, directors such as Carmen Emmi and Alberto Evangelio, and actors such as Russell Tovey and Rocío Saiz. Beyond the screenings, the festival offered parallel activities for the industry, special sessions for schools and a fun themed screening commemorating 50 years of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The Endimaris Sitges 2025 LGTBIQ+ Film Festival has not only been a cinematographic event; It has been a space for meeting, celebration and reflection. What other cultural spaces can follow your example to amplify the voices of the LGTBIQ+ community and build a more inclusive future?
