The mayor of Talavera, José Julián Gregorio, has celebrated the sporting career of Sandra Sánchez, highlighting her contributions to elevating the city's name on the international stage. This recognition came during the presentation of the Película de Barro 2026 award, part of the Pávez Awards, at the opening of the festival held on Friday at the Teatro Victoria.
Also in attendance were the councillor for sports, Antonio Núñez, the councillor for culture, Enrique Etayo, and the councillor for citizen security, Macarena Muñoz. Sánchez, a prominent figure in international karate, is an Olympic champion from the Tokyo 2020 Games, a world champion, and a seven-time European champion in the kata discipline. Her achievements have made her a role model for various generations.
The mayor emphasised Sánchez's connection to Talavera and her role as an ambassador for the city, expressing the pride her accomplishments bring to the local community. He described her journey as one marked by “hard work, perseverance, and determination.”
The inaugural gala also featured a special screening of ‘Karateka’, directed by Aritz Moreno, which connects cinema and sport through the stories of Sánchez's challenges and triumphs. The film is set to premiere in cinemas on 30 October.
The XIII Pávez Awards will take place from 16 to 24 October, reaffirming Talavera's status as a hub for cinema and audiovisual creation. Organised by the Asociación Cultural Trax Trex Trix, the festival showcases a selection of 80 short films chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions from over ten countries.
Additionally, the Pávez Awards continue their commitment to the local community by donating part of the ticket sales to various social organisations in Talavera. This year’s programme also includes educational activities, professional meetings, and new initiatives aimed at boosting the audiovisual industry, such as the Audiovisual Industry Days and the inaugural Pávez Pitch.
By awarding the Película de Barro 2026 to Sandra Sánchez, the Pávez Awards acknowledge the achievements of one of Talavera's most significant sporting figures, in an event that unites “sport, culture, and Talaveran pride.”
