Sara Sálamo Wins Top Prize at 21st La Orotava Short Film Festival
Tenerife-born filmmaker Sara Sálamo won the top prize at the 21st Villa de La Orotava Short Film Festival for her film BOX 3.
The 21st edition of the Villa de La Orotava Short Film Festival, known as "La Tijera," wrapped up this weekend, further cementing its place as a key event in the regional film circuit. This year marked a fresh start for the festival under new director Alejandra Ojeda, with Tenerife-born filmmaker Sara Sálamo taking home the top prize.
Sálamo’s short film, BOX 3, rose to the top from a pool of 500 submissions. She received the main award—which includes a 2,000-euro prize—along with the Volcanic Xperience award for regional excellence, adding another 500 euros to her winnings. The trophy was presented by actress and festival patron Cayetana Guillén Cuervo during the gala at the San Agustín House of Culture.
Other winners in the Official Section included Cara Cona by Guillermo Oliveira in second place (1,000 euros) and Tsunami by María Pulido in third (500 euros). Cara Cona also earned the Best Cinematography award, sponsored by RC Service, which includes 1,000 euros worth of technical equipment.
Supported by the Government of the Canary Islands, the Island Council of Tenerife, and the La Orotava City Council, the festival saw a strong turnout over its two days of screenings. Hosted by comedian Darío López, the event successfully balanced high-quality auteur cinema with an accessible format. The high volume of entries highlights the growing importance of short films as a vital creative and professional outlet within the local audiovisual industry.