The second edition of the Fuerteventura Film Commission’s short film festival, dedicated to the island's rich tapestry of myths and legends, will distribute €1,500 in prizes and is open for submissions until 13 November.
Directed by Nereida Calero, the film commission has partnered with local production company Árida Films to release "Anatomía de una bruja" (Anatomy of a witch), a short film created outside of the official selection. The aim is to inspire residents, creators, and enthusiasts to participate in this year’s festival, which highlights the island's folklore.
"Anatomía de una bruja" draws inspiration from the legend of the witches of Tindaya, one of the most famous tales in the oral tradition of Fuerteventura. According to local lore, on moonlit nights, the witches would gather at the summit of the sacred mountain to dance and fly to America, returning before dawn. They were also believed to be responsible for the podomorph engravings found at the peak.
The short film was entirely shot using a mobile phone in the natural landscapes of Fuerteventura. This choice was intentional, as the organisers aim to demonstrate that anyone can create a short film with accessible resources, without the need for extensive equipment or budgets, showcasing the island's stunning scenery as a natural set.
Celebrating myths and legends
The festival seeks to celebrate the literary and oral heritage of Fuerteventura, featuring stories of apparitions, witches, giants, and tales from the island’s mountains and its kings, passed down through generations. In addition to the witches of Tindaya, the festival invites submissions inspired by the light of Mafasca and the giants Guise and Ayose, although any popular story from the island is welcome.
This second edition follows the success of the inaugural festival, which focused on the Virgen de la Peña, the patron saint of Fuerteventura. The first event showcased various short films from local creators, bringing one of the island's cherished traditions to the public through diverse perspectives and solidifying the festival’s status as a key event in the local audiovisual calendar.
Awards and participation details
The festival will award a total of €1,500 in prizes, judged by a panel of three professionals from the audiovisual and cultural sectors:
- First prize: trophy, diploma, and €1,000.
- Second prize: diploma and €300.
- Third prize: diploma and €200.
All participants will receive a certificate of participation. The competition is open to individuals of all ages and nationalities, with no limit on the number of submissions per author. Participants under 18 must obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian. Submissions must not exceed 15 minutes in length, including credits, and should be in Spanish or subtitled in Spanish. The recommended resolution is 1080p, with free choice of format, style, and production year.
Entry is free and can be submitted via the form on aridafilms.com/festival, providing a viewing link (YouTube, Vimeo, or Drive) that does not require permission to access. The submission deadline is 13 November 2026 at 23:59 (Canary Islands time). Complete rules and guidelines are available on the festival's website.
