Ficcions de Ciència (1)

Festival start: 26 May 2025      Festival end: 07 June 2025

The FICCIONS DE CIÈNCIA festival aims to promote dialogue between science and society. With an interdisciplinary approach, it highlights cinematic works that explore science from diverse perspectives, including its social, ethical, and emotional implications, as well as its connection to fields such as art, health, and culture. The festival seeks to foster public debate on the scientific and technological challenges of our time and to emphasize the role of science in culture, showcasing how it can inspire narratives in both fiction and documentary formats that bring science closer to the public.

Furthermore, during the first edition of "Ficcions de Ciència," there will be a thematic section dedicated to mental health. This section aims to address one of the most urgent and complex issues of our time: emotional and mental well-being in a scientifically and technologically advanced but socially challenging world.

The section will feature short films (both fiction and documentaries) that delve into topics such as the science behind mental disorders and their understanding, mental health in relation to society and social inequalities, and the impact of scientific research on personal and collective narratives.

Through this approach, the section seeks not only to raise public awareness about the importance of mental health but also to provide a space for reflection on how science can help us understand and tackle these challenges.

Cash Prizes: 2,000€

Science Fictions Award for Best Work in Science and Society (€1,000 prize).

Science Fictions Award for Best Work in Science and Mental Health (€1,000 prize).

Objectives:

The Festival aims to foster dialogue between science and society through cinema, reflecting on the social, ethical, and emotional implications of technoscience. Furthermore, the Festival seeks to generate public debate about scientific challenges and highlight how science inspires artistic narratives that connect with emotions and social dilemmas.

Participation is open to individuals and legal entities with works produced after January 1, 2020, that have not been published or made accessible on any platform or format by the time of the Festival.

The submitted works must meet the following criteria:

Fiction or animated short films: maximum duration of 30 minutes.

Documentary short and medium-length films: maximum duration of 60 minutes.

The works must address scientific topics or demonstrate how science influences daily life, suggesting its presence through characters' stories, dynamics, or conflicts.

There is no limit on the number of works each participant can submit.

The selection process will prioritize works that address:

-Social and cultural dynamics in scientific contexts.

-Critical or ethical perspectives on scientific and technological processes.

-Diverse and inclusive views on the relationships between science and society.

-Special consideration will be given to works that foster debate, critical reflection, and understanding of the role of science in contemporary life.


Sections

Science and Society

Fiction and/or animated short films (maximum 30 minutes) and documentaries (maximum 60 minutes) that focus on science as a central theme, explore social issues related to science, or offer critical perspectives through stories about scientific research, experiments, discoveries, or ethical dilemmas.
For example:

-Narratives about the lives and challenges of scientists, their relationship with society, or the emotional and personal implications of working in science.

-Stories exploring the interplay between science and fiction, presenting plausible hypotheses or questioning the limits of knowledge.

-Stories introducing science in a fun, educational, and inspiring way for children.

-Films explaining complex scientific topics in an engaging and accessible manner for a general audience.

-Stories examining the social, ethical, and environmental impacts of scientific and technological research.

-Films giving a voice to scientists, communities, or projects showcasing the human side of science, as well as its tensions and contradictions.


Science and Mental Health

Fiction and/or animated short films (maximum 30 minutes) and documentaries (maximum 60 minutes) that explore the intersection of mental health, science, and society, addressing topics related to emotional well-being, mental disorders, social stigmas, and therapeutic approaches.

For example:

-Stories about the relationship between science and mental health, exploring aspects such as neuroscience, emotions, mental disorders, doctor-patient relationships, or well-being strategies.

-Films highlighting social inequalities, stigmas, and personal experiences related to mental health.

-Stories addressing mental health from a gender perspective, emphasizing women’s experiences and narratives.