The International Festival of Documentaries and Short Films of Bilbao, commonly known as ZINEBI, is a prestigious annual festival held in Bilbao, Spain. Established in 1959, the festival is dedicated to showcasing innovative and high-quality works in documentary, animation, and short fiction.
ZINEBI is accredited by the FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations) and is an Academy Award-qualifying festival, providing winners the opportunity to compete for the Oscars. The festival highlights cutting-edge storytelling, cultural diversity, and emerging talents, offering a significant platform for avant-garde and debut works.
In addition to its main competition, ZINEBI features sections like ZIFF (ZINEBI First Film), which focuses on debut feature films, and Beautiful Docs, a curated selection of outstanding documentaries. The festival also includes retrospectives, masterclasses, and forums, fostering collaboration and dialogue within the global film community.
ZINEBI is a global stage for short films, documentaries, and animations, promoting innovation and creativity across cinematic formats.
The festival’s status as an Oscar-qualifying event highlights its influence and importance in the global film industry.
Through initiatives like ZIFF, ZINEBI provides a launchpad for debut filmmakers, offering them international exposure and critical recognition.
ZINEBI showcases works from over 100 countries annually, emphasizing diverse perspectives and storytelling traditions.
The festival’s Enarak section celebrates Basque filmmakers, contributing to the promotion of regional cinema and cultural heritage.
ZINEBI honors outstanding films with the prestigious Mikeldi prizes, awarded across categories such as:
These awards recognize technical excellence, artistic vision, and innovative storytelling.
As one of the oldest and most respected festivals for short films and documentaries, ZINEBI has cemented its reputation as a vital event in the global film festival circuit. Its dedication to fostering emerging talent, supporting diverse voices, and celebrating cinematic innovation ensures its continued relevance and impact in the film industry.
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