The Ministry of Culture, Linguistic Policy and Sport is set to present two audiovisual projects from Asturias at Abycine Lanza, the professional market of the Albacete International Film Festival, which will take place from 20 to 23 October. The feature film Turtle blues, directed by Asur Fuente, and the short film Mal de güeyu, directed by Marta González Gallego, have been chosen in the first call for the Cine d’Asturies section.
This initiative, promoted by the Asturian government, aims to introduce the two projects, which are still in development, to producers, distributors, sales agents, programmers, and other audiovisual professionals. For their teams, participation in this market represents an opportunity to present their stories, seek potential collaborators, and explore funding avenues to help transition their projects to the screen.
Turtle blues, produced by the Asturian company Báltico, follows the story of a young Asturian truck driver, an aspiring actress and amateur radio enthusiast, who embarks on a journey to Italy with her pet turtle to complete a move. However, what seemed like a straightforward task becomes complicated when she discovers an unexpected stowaway among her belongings, altering her plans. This road story, blending comedy and drama, explores themes of loneliness, the lives of those in constant transit, and the significance of companionship when least expected. The project will also participate in the Impulso CMM Desarrollo 2026 programme, supported by Castilla-La Mancha Media, which provides training, advice, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
On the other hand, Mal de güeyu is a fictional short film by Marta González Gallego, produced by Marta F. Crestelo (Freews), and has been selected for the second edition of the RTVE-Abycine Talent Award for Best Short Film Project. Drawing from her own experiences, the director weaves a narrative that combines elements of horror, fantasy, sexuality, and Asturian folklore. The protagonist, Leticia, a young woman desperate to overcome a sexual dysfunction, seeks the help of a peculiar witch for a ritual. However, the experience leads her to confront a transformation that is both intimate and monstrous. Mal de güeyu will participate in the Zona Corto Pro of Abycine Lanza, where its team will present the project to a jury and national and international professionals. The award includes the acquisition of broadcasting rights for the winning short film by RTVE, its distribution on RTVE Play, and its premiere in Spain as part of the official short film section at next year’s festival.
The Cine d’Asturies initiative at Abycine Lanza opens new opportunities for Asturian cinema. This first edition reinforces the Ministry of Culture, Linguistic Policy and Sport's support for the audiovisual sector, facilitating access to contacts, advice, and funding opportunities for creators. The goal is to ensure that stories originating in Asturias find the necessary resources to become films and reach new audiences.
