
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About the Festival
The festival is called Curtas, is it a short film festival?
Not exclusively. Although the name Curtas Festival do Imaxinario pays tribute to its origins focused on short films, today it is a multidisciplinary event of international character. The festival has evolved to include feature films, TV series, and a strong program of comics, illustration, and literature in its Official Section. The term “Curtas” is kept as a brand identity, but the event covers all forms of narrative within the fantasy genre.
When and where is Curtas Festival do Imaxinario held?
The festival takes place annually in Vilagarcía de Arousa (Pontevedra, Galicia). The specific dates for the edition are officially announced on our website and social media, concentrating most of its activity during the last week of October and the first week of November, coinciding with the magical atmosphere of Halloween.
Does the festival include activities beyond cinema?
Yes, Curtas Festival do Imaxinario is a multidisciplinary event. In addition to screenings, the program includes masterclasses with international guests, book presentations, art exhibitions, comic signing sessions, and technical workshops. The goal is to offer a complete experience around the culture of the “Imaxinario”. You can find more information here.
Access, Tickets and Programming
Is it necessary to buy tickets to attend the screenings?
The festival is characterized by its public and cultural vocation. Most screenings in the Official Section and parallel cycles are free of charge until full capacity is reached at the main venues (such as Salón García or the Auditorium). For screenings, special events, opening, and closing ceremonies, it is recommended to book your invitation through the festival’s APP.
In what language are the films and short films screened?
True to its international character, Curtas Festival do Imaxinario is committed to Original Version with Subtitles (OVS). Works in foreign languages have subtitles in Spanish or Galician. In the case of PequeCurtas, dubbed content or content without dialogue is prioritized to facilitate understanding for children.
Is it necessary to book a place for masterclasses and guest signings?
For masterclasses and panel discussions, access is usually free until full capacity is reached. However, for signing sessions with prominent international guests (comics and cinema), the festival may establish a shift system or distribution of tickets earlier on the same day of the event to ensure smooth organization.
Where can I check this year's full program?
The detailed program, including screening schedules, exhibition locations, and guest lists, is published in digital format on the official website curtas.org weeks before the start and on the Festival’s APP. A physical hand-program is also distributed at Vilagarcía’s tourist information points and festival venues.
Sections and Awards
What is the Artist Alley at Curtas Festival do Imaxinario?
The Artist Alley is a space dedicated to the promotion of illustrators, comic artists, and visual artists specializing in the fantasy genre. It is held within the framework of the festival and allows creators to exhibit and sell their work directly to the public. The selection of artists is done through a previous call for entries, analyzing quality and suitability to the festival’s lore.
Is the festival suitable for children?
We have a specific section called PequeCurtas, designed for children and families. It offers a selection of fantasy and animation films adapted to encourage the imagination of the youngest in a safe and creative environment. Additionally, we recommend checking the program as several parallel activities for young people are usually included.
What awards does the festival grant?
We have a professional jury that grants awards in various categories, highlighting the Best Feature Film Award, Best Short Film Award and the Méliès Award for Best European Short Film in the Official Fantasy Section. There is also an Audience Award, where attendees vote for their favorite works after each session, reflecting the participatory spirit of the festival. You can check the complete list of Awards here.
Participation and Professionals
How can I enter my film or short film in the festival?
The submission of works for the competitive sections is done exclusively through professional platforms such as Festhome or FilmFreeway. We look for fantasy, horror, and science fiction pieces. It is essential to review the updated submission rules to comply with duration and format requirements.
How can I apply for press or industry accreditation?
Journalists, film critics, and industry professionals can request official accreditation through a specific form on our website. Accreditation provides priority access to screenings with seat reservation, press conferences, and exclusive communication materials.
Are there technical workshops or Masterclasses?
Yes, the festival organizes specialized workshops in areas such as special effects, screenwriting, illustration, or character makeup. Some of these activities require prior registration and may have limited places. Information is published along with the program preview.
Can I participate as a volunteer in the organization?
The festival opens a cultural volunteering program annually. We look for people passionate about cinema and event management who wish to collaborate in areas such as customer service, guest assistance, communication, or logistics. Calls for applications are usually published in late August.
Logistics and Services
How can I get to Vilagarcía de Arousa for the festival?
Vilagarcía is excellently connected. You can easily arrive by high-speed train (AVE/Alvia) from Madrid or cities such as Santiago de Compostela and Vigo. For those flying, the nearest airports are Santiago (Rosalía de Castro) and Vigo (Peinador), both about 45-50 minutes away by road. You can find more information here.
Are the festival venues accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the main venues, such as the Municipal Auditorium or Salón García, have access and spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility. The volunteer team will be available at each venue to provide assistance if necessary. You can find more information here.
Are there official rest or catering areas at the festival?
The festival takes place in the heart of Vilagarcía de Arousa, allowing attendees to enjoy the wide local gastronomic offer between sessions. Additionally, the festival usually collaborates with local establishments that serve as meeting points for fans and professionals. Check the list of collaborating venues at the Festival’s information point.
Merchandising and Rules
Where can I get the official merchandising?
During the festival, a point is set up where you can get posters from current and past editions, t-shirts, catalogs, and other collectable items related to the festival.
Are catalogs or commemorative books published?
Yes, a detailed catalog is published every year featuring the works in competition, guest biographies, and specialized articles on the thematic cycles. These are collector’s pieces for genre lovers. You can also get it in PDF through our website. Books of short stories are also published, often related to writing and illustration contests.
Can I bring my portfolio to the Artist Alley?
Although it is a sales space, many professionals and invited artists are open to reviewing work or exchanging impressions. It is an excellent opportunity for professional networking. However, we recommend that you keep an eye on the Festival’s professional activities.
Is it allowed to take photos or videos during activities?
The use of cameras is allowed in talks, exhibitions, parallel activities, signings, and in the Artist Alley, always respecting the artists’ work. It is strictly forbidden to record or photograph film screenings.