It is an honor for me, as Mayor of Ponferrada, and a privilege, as a film enthusiast, to greet all the readers of this publication on the occasion of the 24th Ponferrada International Film Festival. This event, since its origins in 2001 as a Short Film Competition, has grown steadily with each edition, becoming an essential part of our city’s cultural calendar.

This edition represents a further step in the renewal initiated three years ago by the “Mi Retina me Engaña” Cultural Association, seeking a greater balance between Spanish and international cinema and a theme open to any genre. A good example of this is the new configuration of the “Short Looks” Official Sections, which this year are divided into two competitions, National and International, and the strong commitment to International Film Schools, providing a platform for the first projects of those who will be the filmmakers of the future.

The Festival also unveils a new motto and official poster design: “Our Perspective. Our Cinema.” This declaration of intent encapsulates its dual focus, both local and international, and translates into a program that champions El Bierzo as a source of cinematic inspiration. This is demonstrated by Our Current Cinema, featuring the documentary La huella del Temple by Alberto Carpintero, about the Templar history of our Castle; Our Classic Cinema, which, in collaboration with the Valentín García Yebra Municipal Library, revives Cualquier día, en cualquier momento  (1983) by Carlos de Cabo, a product of the Traveling Schools program and the San Andrés-La Borreca school forty-three years ago; and Closer Perspectives, showcasing films from León, Galicia, and Asturias.

I want to highlight the vitality of a Festival that has received 1,117 films across its official and parallel sections, as well as the See to Educate program, and which boasts 27 members on its Selection Committees. Visconti questioned whether cinema was a work of art or a craft; I believe that, without a doubt, we will see examples of the finest cinematic art here, thanks to the precision and care of the selection committees. Special mention must be made of ¡What a Sessión!, which brings cinema to the schools in our area and plants the seed of future moviegoers in children, and who knows, perhaps even future filmmakers.

My gratitude to the “Mi Retina me Engaña” Cultural Association for their dedication, to the Selection Committees, to the filmmakers who trust in us, and, most especially, to the audience, whose votes in the official sections make them the true jury of the Retina Awards.

Fellini said that: “a good wine is like a good film: it lasts an instant and leaves a taste of glory in your mouth.” And this festival leaves a good taste for a whole year. May these days serve to move us and to look at the world, and at ourselves, through the screen.

Welcome to cinema, welcome to Ponferrada.

D. MARCO ANTONIO MORALA
Mayor of the City Council of Ponferrada