The 28th edition of octubre corto has been officially launched with a special programme dedicated to the centenary of the birth of renowned Spanish screenwriter rafael azcona. The event took place on 7 October at the Fundación Caja Rioja Centre in arnedo, attended by the town's mayor, rosa herce, along with representatives from the festival's organising association, Aborigen, including director chechu león and vice-president maría martínez de quel.
This year's programme combines competitive sections of octubre corto with family-friendly films, educational activities, cultural proposals, and professional encounters. A significant portion of the festival is dedicated to rafael azcona, whose connection to arnedo is pivotal to the festival's identity.
Key events and screenings
The official competition screenings will be held at the Teatro Cervantes in arnedo on 20, 21, 22, and 23 October, starting at 20:30. These screenings will also be available in logroño during the same dates and times. A highlight of the festival will occur on 24 October, the date marking what would have been azcona's 100th birthday.
Among the activities planned is “La huella de azcona,” which includes exhibitions, publications, and film screenings. The exhibition “Humor municipal. Rafael Azcona dibujante” will open on 7 October and remain on display until 24 October. On 17 October, the book “La sobremesa. Rafael Azcona en octubre corto” will be presented at the Teatro Cervantes, followed by a tasting event sponsored by Bodegas Ontañón and Pirineos Exdim. The same day will see the premiere of the documentary “La huella de rafael. Azcona arnedo,” accompanied by a discussion panel.
International competition and additional programming
The festival will culminate on 24 October with the inauguration of the passage and mural “¡Viva Rafael Azcona!”, created by regue fernández. The international section, Foráneos, will join the competition, offering a €1,000 audience award for the best short film. The first session is scheduled for 15 October, featuring various international short films, including “La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles,” the Oscar winner for best animated short film.
The 21st Certamen Riojano de Cortometrajes will take place on 16 October, while the session titled “Realidades” will explore different social realities on 18 October. The children’s programme will screen “Tadeo Jones y la lámpara maravillosa” on 18 October, and there will be activities designed for young people and accessible sessions for blind and deaf attendees.
The Hotel Victoria will host the “Festivales Riojanos Sostenibles” event on 16 October, alongside the presentation of the book “Ana y el cine” on 19 October. The festival will also pay tribute to actor manolo solo with a special session on 22 October. The closing gala and awards ceremony will take place on 24 October at the Teatro Cervantes, featuring luis larrodera as the master of ceremonies and the presentation of the Premio Ciudad de Arnedo to luisa gavasa.
