Catalonia Shines Bright at Cannes 2025: A Powerhouse of Cinema Across Festival and Market

May 15, 2025: Catalonia is making a commanding impression at Cannes 2025, showcasing a dynamic slate of films across the main Cannes Film Festival, Marché du Film, and Short Film Corner. From acclaimed auteurs to bold new voices, Catalan filmmakers are offering a rich spectrum of stories—dramas, documentaries, fantasies, and experimental works—that reflect both local authenticity and global ambition.

CANNES FESTIVAL SELECTIONS

“Magellan” by Lav Díaz
Screening in Cannes Premiere, this historical epic features Gael Garcia Bernal as Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Produced in part by Catalonia’s Andergraun Films, the film marries Lav Díaz’s signature meditative style with sweeping historical drama.

“Romería” by Carla Simón
Part of Simón’s autobiographical trilogy, Romería follows Marina’s emotional journey to meet her biological family. Building on the legacy of Alcarràs and Summer 1993, this film affirms Simón’s place in Europe’s most poignant storytellers.
Sales: MK2

“Sirat” by Oliver Laxe
In the main competition, Sirat marks Laxe’s much-anticipated return to Cannes. Backed by El Deseo and Movistar Plus, this enigmatic work promises a visually stunning, introspective experience.
Sales: The Match Factory

“Sleepless City” by Guillermo Galoe
A Critics’ Week debut, this Spanish-French co-production explores the survival of a Romani family in an illegal slum. Backed by Spanish companies such as Sintagma and BTeam Prods.
Sales: Best Friends Forever

“The Sorceress Echo” by Marc Camardons
Selected for La Cinéf, this short from ESCAC (Catalonia’s top film school) explores the supernatural through fresh cinematic eyes.

“+10k” by Gala Hernández
A Directors’ Fortnight short, this film delves into digital-age aspirations and disillusionment. Co-produced by 15-L Films and Don Quichotte Films.

MARCHÉ DU FILM HIGHLIGHTS

“Face of Grace” by Anna Martí Domingo & Laura Santos Martí
Part of the Focus COPRO’ program, this emerging feature from Allegra Pictures and Nocturna Pictures signals fresh, daring narrative voices from Catalonia.

“The Flight of the Stork” by Soumaya Hidalgo Djahdou & Berta Vicente Salas
A documentary exploring intergenerational and cultural identity, featured in Cannes Docs and produced by Migranta Films.
Sales: Agencia Freak

“We Were a Great Family” by Chiara Marañón, Juan Soto Taborda & Cristina Rosselló
Included in Cannes Docs’ Spanish Showcase, this archival documentary offers a personal lens into the Franco era through decades of home video.
Sales: Begin Again Films

“Who Knows?” by Carlo Padial
Featured in Frontières’ Proof of Concept, this genre-bending project produced by Catalunya Federation Studios hints at international crossover potential with North American markets.

“1999” by David Casademunt
Selected for Fantastic 7, this high-concept fantasy project by Coming Soon Films and Anonymous Content Spain strengthens Catalonia’s reputation as a hub for genre innovation.

SHORT FILM CORNER (SHORTCAT 2025)

“Made of Sugar” by Clàudia Cedó
Produced by Lastor Media and Suica Films, this short reflects Cedó’s deeply humanist storytelling.

“The Prince” by Àlex Sardà
An international co-production between 15-L Films and Canadian partners, showcasing the expanding global network of Catalan shorts.

“Skin Despair” by Mireia Vilapuig
From Nanouk Films, this emotionally provocative work continues Catalonia’s tradition of bold, character-driven short films.

“Our Room” by Jaume Claret
Produced by Dvein Films, Miramemira, and Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, the film promises an innovative, interdisciplinary cinematic style.

“Mater Benefacta” by Marc Riba & Anna Solanas
From stop-motion pioneers I+G Stop Motion, this film highlights Catalonia’s craftsmanship in animation.

“Where There is No Light” by Julia Garcia
Produced by Corte A Films, this auteur-driven short continues the region’s reputation for daring storytelling.

With a record presence across nearly every major platform at Cannes 2025, Catalonia is asserting itself as a global cinematic force. Whether through intimate personal narratives, genre experimentation, or international co-productions, the region’s storytellers are not just participating—they’re shaping the future of world cinema.