The fourth edition of the Residencia de Cine de Extremadura has officially opened its call for entries, inviting filmmakers to submit projects for development through September 1, 2024. The program, which selects 15 projects annually, provides a hybrid model of virtual mentorship and in-person residency sessions in Guadalupe and Talavera la Real, aimed at supporting feature-length fiction, documentary, and animation films.
How the Residencia de Cine de Extremadura Functions
The initiative operates as a professional development hub for directors, screenwriters, and producers. According to the program’s official announcement, the residency selects five projects from Extremadura, five from the rest of Spain, and five from Iberoamerica, including Portugal. This structure is designed to bridge local talent with international markets.
The program maintains a hybrid format. Participants engage in virtual consulting sessions throughout the development phase, complemented by two intensive in-person residencies. The first gathering is scheduled for November in Guadalupe, where filmmakers will collaborate with industry professionals. A second session will follow in the spring of 2027 in Talavera la Real.
Who Leads the Initiative
The residency is directed by Yolanda Barrasa and Juan Antonio Moreno Amador. Moreno Amador, a two-time Goya Award winner, stated that the program remains committed to stories that emphasize identity and regional heritage. The organizers noted that the municipalities of Guadalupe and Talavera la Real provide the essential infrastructure for the "Semana de Cine Extremeño e Iberoamericano," a period where the towns host the selected filmmakers and their works.
Connecting Projects to International Markets
Beyond creative development, the residency integrates participants into the broader audiovisual sector through two primary networking channels:
- Extremadura Film Market: Held in conjunction with the residency in Guadalupe, this market facilitates direct meetings between creators and potential strategic partners, including financiers and production companies.
- MAFIZ at the Festival de Málaga 2027: Selected projects gain access to the industry zone of the Málaga Festival. This platform allows filmmakers to present their work directly to distributors, international sales agents, and streaming platforms.
Submission Details and Eligibility
The call for entries opened on July 1, 2024, and remains active until September 1, 2024. The program is open to feature-length film projects currently in the development phase. Applicants must submit their proposals through the official residency channels, keeping in mind that the initiative prioritizes projects that demonstrate both artistic potential and the viability for international co-production.
For filmmakers, the residency serves as a bridge between the initial writing phase and the professional marketplace. By combining mentorship from industry veterans with direct access to festivals and markets, the program aims to increase the success rate of independent projects in a competitive global landscape.