WHO ARE WE?
A brief history of the Festival
Imagine a place where reality is suspended and stories come to life.
Located in Vilagarcía de Arousa, among the mists of ancient Celtic myths and the power of the Atlantic, Curtas Festival do Imaxinario is not just an event; it is the great celebration of the fantastic.
Born in 1973, we are the dean festival of Galicia and an inescapable benchmark of the genre in Spain. However, great legends are forged in adversity.
The 2015 Rebirth: From Crisis to Transformation After decades of history, the festival faced its darkest moment in 2015, leaning over the abyss of its disappearance. But far from being an end, that was the catalyst for our greatest rebirth. We rescued the legacy to completely reinvent it.
It was at that turning point that we stopped being solely a film contest to become the Festival do Imaxinario. We understood that fantasy has no limits and opened the doors to a multidisciplinary universe: cinema, literature, comics, illustration, and music. This transforming impulse has led us to our most ambitious stage, making the festival today an intergenerational meeting point where the grandparents who saw the event born now share a seat with their grandchildren.
An Immersive and Close Experience This is the land where witches control the tides and where the mystery of the Santa Compaña walks the paths. During the days when the border between worlds blurs, we transform the city into the European capital of the extraordinary.
Here, forget about being a simple spectator. Our new stage broke all barriers: we do not believe in VIP zones. At Curtas, closeness is our norm and access is free and open. International legends and new creators live with you, walk through our streets, and share their art face to face.
You come to live an immersive experience where stories are not told; they are breathed in every street, in every room, and in every talk.
Welcome to Curtas. Welcome to the extraordinary.
WHY YOU CAN’T MISS IT?
If you are looking for strong emotions, world-class art, and an unbeatable atmosphere, this is your place. This is what makes Curtas Festival do Imaxinario a mandatory appointment on your calendar:
PROUDLY FANTASTIC!
Enjoy an official selection of fantasy, horror, and science fiction films that will take your breath away. From exclusive international premieres and festival circuit gems to short films that challenge the imagination and cult retrospectives. If you like the genre, here you will see the movies everyone will be talking about tomorrow.
THE TEMPLE OF COMICS AND ILLUSTRATION
Unlike other purely cinematographic festivals, Curtas is a paradise for lovers of graphic art. We have the presence of the best cartoonists and illustrators in the world, with signing sessions and encounters that allow you to meet your idols face to face.
SPECTACULAR EXHIBITIONS
Our exhibitions are legendary. We transform the rooms of Vilagarcía into ephemeral museums full of originals, movie props, and collector’s pieces that you won’t see anywhere else.
CLOSENESS TO THE STARS
Forget about unreachable red carpets. At Curtas Festival do Imaxinario, the barrier between the guest and the audience disappears. The talks, masterclasses, and Q&A sessions are designed to connect, debate, and share the passion for the genre.
GASTRONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT
You will be in the Rías Baixas. The festival experience is completed with the best gastronomy in the world (seafood, octopus, Albariño wine) and a magical natural setting. You will come for the movies, you will stay for the food and the landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical trajectory of Curtas Festival do Imaxinario?
Curtas Festival do Imaxinario, founded in 1973 in Vilagarcía de Arousa, is the dean film festival of Galicia and one of the oldest and most prestigious genre events in Spain and Europe. With more than 50 years of history, it has evolved from its origins to consolidate itself as the main multidisciplinary platform for fantastic cinema, science fiction, and horror in the Galician community.
What does Festival do Imaxinario mean and why did it change its name in 2015?
In 2015, the festival underwent a strategic “rebirth” to become the Festival do Imaxinario, adopting a multidisciplinary approach that transcends cinema. This concept organically integrates fantastic literature, author comics, illustration, and music, positioning Curtas as a unique event on the international circuit where all expressions of the fantastic genre converge in a total immersive experience.
What international recognitions endorse the trajectory of Curtas?
The prestige of Curtas Festival do Imaxinario is endorsed by:
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Fantasporto Special Award (2026): Awarded at the 46th edition of one of the most important festivals in the world for its cinematographic excellence.
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Lumière Medal: Decorated by the Lumière Foundation for its work in disseminating and preserving cinematographic culture.
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International Recognition: It holds the European Quality Label EFFE 2026-2027 and is a Competitive Member of the Méliès Federation (MIFF).
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Industry Alliances: It is a “Friend Festival” of the Fugaz Awards (Spanish short film) and is ranked among the best genre festivals in the world by Dread Central.
How important is Curtas within the European festival circuit?
As a competitive member of the MIFF, Curtas is one of the festivals with the capacity to award the prestigious Méliès d’Argent for the best European short film. This membership places Vilagarcía de Arousa at the same hierarchical level as the great events of the genre in Europe, allowing its winners to directly opt for the Méliès d’Or, the highest award for fantastic cinema on the continent.
What is the philosophy of access and participation in the festival?
The philosophy of Curtas is based on the removal of barriers between creators and the public, dispensing with VIP zones and fostering direct interaction with international legends and new talents. The festival maintains a strong commitment to the free admission of the vast majority of its screenings and activities, which guarantees universal access to culture in a unique natural environment like the Rías Baixas.