Isla Calavera Film Festival Concludes 10th Edition with 'Sicko' as Top Winner

The tenth edition of the Isla Calavera Canary Islands Fantastic Film Festival has wrapped up, cementing its status as a key destination for genre cinema in the archipelago. Organizers noted that this year’s awards highlighted a mix of bold, artistic storytelling and crowd-pleasing hits at the Multicines Tenerife.

The feature film Sicko was the festival's biggest winner, taking the top prize in the Official Selection, along with awards for Ayan Utepbergenov’s performance and the film's costume design. Indonesian director Joko Anwar won the directing award for Ghost in the Shell, which was also honored for its visual effects. Screenwriter Berto Romero took home an award for 5 minutos más, a film that also proved to be a hit with the audience. Additionally, the jury gave a special mention to the slasher film River.

The jury panel, led by F. Javier Gutiérrez and including Javi Godoy, Arantxa Rufo, and Alberto García, also recognized excellence in short films. The Dutch entry Plankgas, directed by Ignjat Miletic, won in its category, while filmmaker Jandro received the Silver Méliès for Influenzer. This award officially integrates the festival into the Méliès International Festivals Federation network.

The festival also engaged younger audiences and the general public. A Youth Jury, made up of students from the University of La Laguna, honored Adolescencia, Sexo y Muerte en Campamento Miasma, Versipellis, and Salitre. Meanwhile, the audience favorite awards went to 5 minutos más and the short film Amor de Padre by Caye Casas.

Organized by the Charlas de Cine Cultural Association, Multicines Tenerife, and Tumbaabierta.com, the festival is supported by the La Laguna City Council, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Cabildo de Tenerife. Beyond celebrating filmmakers, the event remains vital for promoting the big-screen experience, which is essential for the future of cinema in the region.