Ficindie 2025 Concludes, Awards Top Independent Films
Ficindie, the International Independent and Author's Film Festival of the Canary Islands, concluded its 2025 edition in La Laguna, celebrating independent cinema, announcing award winners including El Silencio de los Palafitos and Las Churreras, and paying tribute to a festival founder.
The International Independent and Author's Film Festival of the Canary Islands (Ficindie) wrapped up its 2025 edition with a gala at the El Desleal Cultural Hall in La Laguna. The event celebrated the best independent films from both Spain and around the world.
The festival director, Rumen Justo Reyes, was joined by Carmen Luisa González Delgado, a councilor from La Laguna City Council, and Alexandre Seco from the Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Tenerife (AJE). All three pledged their continued support for this cultural event, which champions independent cinema across the Canary Islands.
Rumen Justo Reyes highlighted the importance of independent cinema, saying, "It's a form of creative resistance, a way of telling stories with freedom, soul, and risk. Thank you to everyone who believes in this festival and in the transformative power of art."
The gala featured lively performances by singer Desiree Jal Ladi, who teaches at the Integral Singing School. She was accompanied by Ykay Ledezma, a guitarist, composer, and member of the popular group Los Sabandeños.
The festival's jury included Lei González (Dominican Republic, Media Jíbara), Chemi Pérez (Docma / Cabo Sur Films), independent filmmaker Margot Machado, Margus Õunapuu (Estonia, Film Tower), photographer Paula Fuentes, and director and screenwriter Cristiano Donzelli.
Among this year's winners, the Best Independent School Film Award went to Limerence, by Juan Martín and Fran Frías, a touching film about the feelings and fleeting nature of relationships. El Silencio de los Palafitos, by Yull Núñez and Daylin Vega, took home the Best International Independent Feature Film award. Sara Sálamo's Yaya received the International Jury Special Mention Music Library & SFX. The Best International Independent Short Film Award was presented to Nena, by Xosé A. Touriñán and Jairo Iglesias. Finally, Las Churreras, by Tomasi Doblecero, won the Best Canarian Independent Film Award. This film celebrates 1970s everyday life, focusing on a unique Canarian ball team from Lanzarote made up entirely of women, known as 'Las Churreras'.
The trophies, sponsored by Chuchangass and designed by artist Goretti De León, were made from natural materials. This design paid tribute to the handcrafted spirit of independent cinema.
The festival ended with a special screening of the short film Guacimara. This film, a winner at the Nordeste Film Festival, was created in memory of one of Ficindie's founders. It honored her dedication, talent, and passion for kindness and excellence in filmmaking.
Rumen Justo Reyes spoke emotionally about Guacimara, saying, "She always believed in this festival, worked tirelessly to make it grow, and today continues to shine in every story told here." This heartfelt tribute officially closed the 2025 Ficindie edition, cementing its place as a vital platform for new voices in independent cinema.
Ficindie extended its gratitude to all its supporters, including Canary Islands Films, the Canarian Institute of Cultural Development, La Laguna City Council (Tourism, Commerce, and Culture departments), the University of La Laguna, EmprendeULL, the ULL General Foundation, Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands, CIFP César Manrique, AJE Canarias and AJE Tenerife, Kinemaland, the Royal Cosmological Society of La Palma, Chuchangass, 35 Milímetros, Ivana Vladic, Joel AKA Aranfaibo, Juani de La Punta Bajamar Avanzando, the ULL Radio Campus Cultural Classroom, and Teatro Desleal, led by Idaira and Enzo.