The Festival of Cinema and Word, known as CIBRA, is set to commence on 23 October and run until 7 November, offering a range of activities aimed at more than 12,000 schoolchildren. Ana Pérez, the Councillor for Culture in Toledo, inaugurated the 18th edition of the festival, which has established itself as a significant cultural event in Toledo and the wider Castilla-La Mancha region.
During the launch, Pérez emphasised the festival's successful integration of cinema, literature, and education, describing it as a vital meeting point for authors, directors, and audiences. CIBRA will feature film premieres, literary encounters, debates, tributes, and educational activities, all designed to promote culture, instil values, and create spaces for reflection.
The programme will take place across various venues in the city, including the Teatro de Rojas, the Unicaja Auditorium, the Círculo de Arte, the Sephardic Museum, and the Castle of San Servando, concluding with a final gala at the El Greco Congress Palace on 7 November.
Carmen Teresa Olmedo, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports for Castilla-La Mancha, praised the institutional collaboration that enables the festival and its ability to convey values through cinema. She highlighted the Cinema and Education Days scheduled for 23 and 24 October, which will address topics such as emotional health, bullying, inclusion, and equality, alongside activities aimed at connecting students with the audiovisual industry and nurturing young talent in the region.
Tomás Arribas, the provincial deputy for Culture, Education, Publications, and Printing, specifically noted the role of MiniCIBRA, which will bring cinema to over 12,000 primary and secondary school students in the province. He stated, “This initiative will allow students to enjoy films in Spanish, French, and English and will require significant coordination with educational institutions, cinemas, and transport companies.”
Gabriel Castaño, the festival director, expressed gratitude for the support from various administrations, sponsors, and the organising team. He announced a programme that will include eight to ten premieres in Toledo, screenings of notable titles in La Puebla de Montalbán, meetings with film and literature professionals, and a new audiovisual creation initiative aimed at students. Notable guests accompanying their films in Toledo will include Ricardo Gómez, Berto Romero, Daniel Monzón, and José Mota, who will present his directorial debut.
Castaño also highlighted the restoration of the Unicaja Auditorium and the increased capacity for screenings at the Teatro de Rojas, aiming to meet public demand and minimise the number of spectators left without tickets. This year's edition will honour several figures, including Irish director Jim Sheridan, writer John Connolly, actress Ariadna Gil, and various personalities from film, television, and sports. The closing gala will centre on the theme of peace, featuring a narrative proposal that encourages reflection on current societal challenges.
