The mayor of Talavera, José Julián Gregorio, has stated that the Pávez Awards solidify the city’s status as a national powerhouse in the film industry, noting that Talavera is not only a key reference in Spain but is also expanding its international presence through this festival. This growth reflects the "dynamism" of Talavera and its ability to advance and gain prominence in the cultural landscape.
Gregorio made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the thirteenth edition of the awards, where he was joined by Culture Councillor Enrique Etayo and Urban Planning Councillor Benedicto García. He expressed gratitude to the Cultural Association Trax Trex Trix for organising the festival.
During the event, awards were presented to this year's winners, including Marta Matute, who received the Emerging Pávez Award for her debut film 'Yo no moriré de amor', and renowned actor Roberto Álamo, who was honoured with the Honorary Pávez. Additionally, the mayor presented the 2026 Film of Clay award to Olympic karateka Sandra Sánchez in recognition of her distinguished sporting career.
The inauguration also featured a special screening of the film 'Karateka', directed by Aritz Moreno, which focuses on the city’s most internationally recognised athlete, and included the presence of actors from the film. "It has been an intense week of screenings and various activities for all ages," Gregorio noted, adding that this year, 80 short films were selected from over a thousand submissions, underscoring the "strength and growth" of this cinematic event.
The mayor highlighted that the festival is an official qualifier for the Goya Awards in the categories of fiction, animation, and documentary, a recognition that enhances its profile within the film industry. Furthermore, the Pávez Awards provide audiences with access to films and creators who often have fewer opportunities to reach commercial theatres, transforming Talavera into a meeting point for industry professionals, filmmakers, and audiences, while facilitating public access to a diverse range of audiovisual offerings.
This thirteenth edition also features a special collaboration with CineLEBU, a Chilean festival that is also a qualifier for the Oscars. This partnership promotes the exchange of works and creators, broadening the international connections of the Pávez Awards.
Gregorio also highlighted the charitable aspect of the Pávez Awards, noting that part of the revenue from ticket sales is allocated to social entities in Talavera to support their work and raise awareness of the individuals and groups they assist. The beneficiaries of this edition include Adoptala, Atandi, Ataem, Cocemfe, Asprodeta, Accem, Aurelio de León, Tea Talavera, Adace, Afata, and the Foundation of the Gitano Secretariat.
Additionally, José Julián Gregorio stressed the importance of fostering interest in cinema among young people through the ChiquiPávez initiative, which has introduced the world of short films to around 3,000 primary and secondary school students in Talavera and its surrounding areas.
In conclusion, Gregorio reaffirmed the city council's commitment to the Pávez Awards, assuring that the local government will continue to support this cinematic event, which helps to project Talavera's name "both within and beyond our borders", while promoting culture and audiovisual talent and reinforcing the image of Talavera as a city dedicated to culture.
