This competitive section, dedicated to promoting and showcasing the first feature films by emerging Spanish directors, will award a total of 42,000 euros in prizes. Fiction or documentary films that represent the director's first feature-length work are eligible, provided they were produced or commercially released after September 1, 2025. The deadline for submissions is October 6.
Almudena Morales, Deputy of Culture, Cinema, and Almerian Identity, highlighted the section's significance for FICAL, which has become a key platform for emerging filmmakers and a stepping stone to the Goya Awards. FICAL is a pioneer in maintaining competitive sections for feature films, short films, and series.
Filmmakers and producers interested have until 11:59 PM on October 6, 2026, to register their works. Submissions can be made through digital platforms such as Movibeta or Festhome, or via the festival's official website by completing the form and sending the viewing link or a physical copy to the organization.
FICAL thus consolidates its role as a benchmark in Spain for discovering new talent, reinforcing the province of Almería's commitment to the audiovisual industry. The ‘Ópera Prima’ section of the 25th edition includes seven categories, featuring awards for best national feature film, best documentary, best direction, best screenplay, best female performance, and the Eduardo Fajardo Award for best male performance, in addition to a special jury prize.
A specialized selection committee will evaluate the artistic quality of all submitted works. The titles selected for the official section will be announced from October 19 onwards.
