The festival begins the weekend with screenings in Baix Pallars and Sort. In Baix Pallars, Celler DeBresca will host the presentation of the short film Teetan by its producer, Mahdi Rezayati Charan. On Saturday, in Peramea, Era d’Ortega will offer the evening Minotaure, combining cinema and music with the premiere of the documentary Mite, càmera i acció!, produced by the festival itself. On Sunday, Sort will host the screening of about fifteen short films.
This opening weekend serves as a prelude to the main program taking place in Gerri de la Sal from September 24th to 27th. This phase will include the official opening gala, seven additional short film sessions, workshops, talks, guided tours, music, theater, and the presence of filmmakers, culminating in the awards ceremony at the Reial Alfolí.
This year's call for entries received nearly 500 short films from 53 countries, featuring productions in 40 different languages. Of these, 60 will be selected as finalists and screened in 15 sessions over the festival's ten days. The central theme for this edition is animals in mythology, exploring their symbolic and totemic power.
Iranian producer Mahdi Rezayati Charan will participate in the festival's opening in Bresca, Baix Pallars, to present Teetan. This 15-minute short film, shot in Talysh, a minority language from Iran, narrates an ancient rural belief about a winter sacrifice. Charan's presence aligns with the festival's aim to showcase international cinematic perspectives.
The documentary Mite, càmera i acció!, directed by Ivana Miño, the festival's director, seeks to preserve the oral memory of Pallars. The film collects testimonies from local residents about the war, religious figures, and local legends, reflecting the poetry and harshness of the mountains.
