Festival Internacional de Cine de Sax (20)

Festival start: 05 July 2026      Festival end: 11 July 2026

The Sax International Film Festival, in the province of Alicante, qualifier for the Goya Awards, arises through the initiative of the filmmaker and writer Miguel Herrero Herrero. Since its creation in 2006, the festival has had the support of the Sax City Council and is backed by: Generalitat Valenciana, Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), University of Alicante, (UA), Alicante Provincial Council,... In the festival the best short films and feature film projects compete in competition. The event has numerous cinematographic activities: shows, exhibitions, concerts, book presentations, courses, workshops, tributes, master classes and meetings with renowned professionals such as the actor and director Aldo Sambrell, the animator and director Raúl García, the actor Carlos Santos, the director and producer Gonzalo García Pelayo, the actress Sonia Almarcha, the composer Luis Ivars, the writer and critic Carlos Aguilar or video game designer Jordan Mechner.

Cash Prizes: 3,000€

• Best Feature Film Project. 500 euros.

• Best short fiction film. 500 euros

• Best short animation film. 500 euros

• Best documentary short. 500 euros

• Audience award. 600 euros by the University Miguel Hernández of Elche.

• Best short film of Alicante. 250 euros.

• Best social short.

• Best Short Film in Valencian.

• Best Short Film with Artificial Intelligence.

• Special Mention.

RULES FOR PARTICIPATION
20th SAX INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
July 5-11, 2026

- The 20th Sax International Film Festival (FICS) is organized by the Sax Film and Audiovisual Association (ACAS), the production and publishing company Cinestesia, and the Sax City Council.

- Anyone over 18 years of age may participate, regardless of nationality or place of residence, with the exception of those involved in the organization of this festival, who will not be eligible for awards.

- Each participant may submit as many films as they wish. The theme and genre of the films are open.

- Only films with dialogue and/or subtitles in Spanish, that meet a minimum quality standard, and that do not contain obscene messages or messages contrary to human rights will be screened.

- Short films with a maximum duration of 59 minutes will be accepted. and a completion date after January 1, 2024.

- Feature film projects at any stage of production will be accepted, along with any optional documentation deemed necessary depending on the project's stage: teaser, project scenes or videos, treatment or script, artwork, designs, storyboard, project briefs, etc.

- Short films competing for the Best Short Film Made with Artificial Intelligence award must be generated primarily using AI models. The work must be original and not infringe on any third-party copyrights.

- Short films and feature film projects may be submitted until May 23, 2026, on the following platform:

Festhome: https://filmmakers.festhome.com/festival/2769

- A jury will select an Official Selection for the awards. The following awards will be given:

- Best Feature Film Project: €500

- Best Fiction Short Film: €500 (Goya awards Qualifier)

- Best Animated Short Film: €500 (Goya awards Qualifier)

- Best Documentary Short Film: €500 Goya awards Qualifiers

- Best Short Film from Alicante. 250 euros.

- Audience Award from the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH). 600 euros.

- Best short film of Alicante. 250 euros.

- Best social short.

- Best Short Film in Valencian.

- Best Short Film with Artificial Intelligence.

- Special Mention.


The creation of new awards, special mentions, etc., may also be proposed. awards may also be declared void if they do not meet the required quality standards.

- All data and materials may be included in the Festival's publications or other publications and disseminated through other media.

- The submitted short films will be screened in live sessions and will be announced in due course through the media.

- By submitting their work, all participants fully accept these participation rules, as well as any decisions made regarding any aspect thereof.

- Participation in this Festival implies the transfer of the rights to distribute the submitted images within the Festival itself. These images will be archived by the organization if deemed appropriate and by mutual agreement with the copyright holders. Where applicable, participants must provide proof of membership in SGAE or another copyright management organization. Failure to provide this information will not constitute an obligation on the part of the Festival.

Registration for this Festival implies full acceptance of the rules.

More information at: www.festivalsax.com and www.cinestesia.es