Cinema Jove International Film Festival

Cinema Jove is an annual international film festival held in Valencia, Spain, usually during the last week of June. Dedicated to directors under 40, it features competitions for feature films, shorts, series, and student works, drawing new talent from around the world.

• Competition open only to directors under 40
• Held annually in Valencia, Spain since 1986
• Features five official competitive sections
• Luna de Valencia is the festival’s main award
• Screenings at venues like Teatre Rialto and Palau de les Arts

What it is

Cinema Jove is a film festival devoted to discovering and celebrating young filmmaking talent from across the globe. Each year in Valencia, it brings together directors under 40 to compete in feature, short, and series categories, alongside a vibrant programme of retrospectives and special screenings. The festival is known for its focus on fresh voices and new perspectives, offering a platform for emerging artists to connect with audiences and industry professionals. For many, it marks an important step in their creative journey, and it holds a special place in the Spanish and international film community.

Where it comes from

Cinema Jove began in 1986, following a student film screening organised by educators Adolfo Bellido and Mario Viché the previous year. Originally established as a youth film and video contest to support audiovisual education in the Valencian Community, its early editions encouraged students to engage with filmmaking and share their work. Within a few years, the festival grew beyond its local roots, adding national and international competitions and gaining recognition as a specialised competitive festival. Its mission to nurture young filmmakers has remained central as it expanded its scope and reputation.

How it is celebrated

The festival unfolds over several days with screenings at venues across Valencia, such as the Teatre Rialto and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. Five official competition sections highlight international feature films, shorts, series, and student works, all directed by filmmakers under 40. Audiences can also enjoy retrospectives of renowned directors’ early works, themed cycles like anime selections, and special screenings tied to the Luna de Valencia career award. Industry events, including roundtables and pitch sessions, foster connections between creators and professionals. The atmosphere is lively and youthful, with juries composed of both professionals and students, and awards like the Luna de Valencia and Un Futuro de Cine honouring standout achievements.

Joining in

Visitors to Cinema Jove can expect a welcoming, energetic environment in the city of Valencia, with events taking place at central theatres and cultural centres. Screenings are open to the public, and the festival’s multilingual approach makes it accessible to international guests. Attendees can participate in Q&As, panel discussions, and enjoy a diverse selection of films from new and established talents. The city’s vibrant summer atmosphere adds to the experience, making it an engaging event for film lovers and newcomers alike.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Cinema Jove, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Cinema Jove on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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