The Locos por el Cine Association has opened the registration period for the III Short Film Competition of Alcobendas, which will take place in October 2026. There are two categories: free theme and local authors.
Cinema lovers in Alcobendas have an appointment with creativity. The Locos por el Cine Association has launched the third edition of its Short Film Competition, an opportunity for both emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work. Registration opens on July 1 and closes on September 5, 2026, with screenings of the selected films scheduled for October 16, 17, and 18.
Two Categories for All Audiences
The competition is divided into two sections. The Official Section accepts short films of any genre and free theme. The Local Authors Section is reserved for creators registered or working in Alcobendas, as well as students from the José Luis Garci Institute and the Popular University of Alcobendas. Members of the organising association can also participate.
According to the association, all shorts must be original and produced between January 2025 and the registration date. The minimum duration is five minutes and the maximum is twenty, including credits and intertitles.
How to Register and Technical Requirements
Registration is done through the FESTHOME platform or via a form directed to the festival's secretariat. In both cases, a fee of 15 euros must be paid, and proof of payment is required. Works must be submitted in digital .mp4 format, with H264 codec and AAC audio. Full HD resolution (1920x1080) is recommended, although a minimum of 1280x720 is accepted.
For residents of Alcobendas, this is an opportunity to see their talent showcased in their own city. Screenings will take place in October, and the local audience will be able to enjoy the selected works in a familiar setting.
Symbolic Prizes but with a Local Touch
The competition does not offer cash prizes. Winners will receive a Menina, the symbol of Alcobendas, along with a laurel and a certificate. The association emphasizes that the goal is to give visibility to new authors, not monetary reward.
The previous edition attracted around twenty participants, and the organization hopes to exceed that number this year. The complete rules are available on the association's website. Interested parties can consult them for all technical and participation details.
The competition has established itself as a cultural reference event in the Alcobendas calendar. For local filmmakers, it is a window to gain recognition. And for the audience, it is an appointment with independent and quality cinema. The event is in October, but registration closes in September. So, if anyone has a short film tucked away, now is the time to bring it out.
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