11/02/2025 - The director general of the Spanish institution shares insights into its activities and Spain's participation as the guest country at the European Film Market

We interviewed Ignasi Camós, director general of Spain's Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA), to discuss Spain in Focus, the European Film Market event dedicated to Spanish audiovisual production, which will take place during the Berlinale, from 13 to 19 February

Cineuropa: What will 2025 look like for Spanish cinema? What will characterise it, starting with the Country in Focus in Berlin?
Ignasi Camós: 2025 will be a year for great Spanish films, as reflected in this edition of the Berlinale, where Spain will be the guest country at the European Film Market. In the Panorama section, for example, Deaf [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Eva Libertad
film profile], the debut film by Eva Libertad, will have its premiere. For the first time in Spanish cinema, the film stars a deaf actress, Miriam Garlo.  The diversity of formats, narratives, and perspectives will be the standout feature.  And the selection of companies and projects taking part will serve as a prime example of the multifaceted nature of our audiovisual landscape.

What are Spain's strengths and weaknesses from a cinematographic point of view? What are the objectives, including in terms of figures, to be achieved?
The financing opportunities available in Spain make us one of the most competitive countries on the international scene.  In addition to the combination of state and regional aid programmes, there is an attractive system of tax incentives. While the objectives of the Ministry of Culture's ICAA are primarily qualitative, two of the main priorities for this year are continuing to strengthen support for independent cinema and attracting new audiences to cinemas, particularly through the Cine Escuela programme.

From this perspective, what are the most important export-related efforts that the ICAA has made and is making?
There are several lines of aid aimed at export, including support for distribution and participation in markets and festivals.  We also assist filmmakers, producers, and distributors in their international endeavours, helping them gain visibility and strengthen ties with other countries. Last year, we developed an Internationalisation Plan 2024-2026 for ICAA activities to promote Spanish cinema.  One of the key priorities is to enhance the presence of our cinema at international festivals and markets, as well as to support all sectors involved in the export of Spanish cinema.

Can you tell us about the most important events that will take place in Berlin for Spain in Focus this February?
We will be accompanying our sector to key events, starting with the Producers Showcase, where 10 established Spanish companies will have the opportunity to present their work to prominent professionals.  Under the Visitors Programme, another 10 emerging companies will take part in various activities within the Berlinale Co-Production Market to expand their professional networks and explore new opportunities. And four series projects in development will be showcased as part of the Berlinale Series Market. There will also be market screenings, conferences on the arrival of AI, and on the "Spain, Audiovisual Hub of Europe" Plan — promoted within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan — as well as several presentations of projects and programmes from the different autonomous communities.

Can you give us an idea of the figures you are expecting, who from the world of cinema will be attending and what regional representation there will be in Spain in Focus?
We expect around 400 Spanish professionals from different areas to attend, from filmmakers to producers and distributors. All the autonomous communities will have their own spaces, both on the Spanish stand and within the industry programme. Also, the talents from the selected films will be attending.

Do you have any support programmes to cover the costs of professionals' participation in the Berlin market and in the Spain in Focus event in particular?
Yes. In addition to the market participation support programmes, the ICAA has provided support for 24 professionals participating in the Producers Showcase, Visitors Programme, and Series Market, covering their accreditation, travel, and accommodation expenses.

(Translated from Spanish)