[Curiosities] "Cuerdas", by Urresola, wins the grand prize at the ICOFF Festival in Vitoria

[HeWhoRemains™]

Icoff-Gasteiz, which has finished its second edition today, combines a national short film competition and the exhibition of small-format cinematographic works awarded, nominated or participating in the best film festivals in the world and in international Spanish short film competitions.

The Vitoria-Gasteiz International Short Film Festival, Icoff-Gasteiz, co-directed by Sonia Pacios and Kepa Sojo and promoted by Fundación Vital, closed its second edition this Saturday with the recognition of 'Cuerdas', by Estíbaliz Urresola, as the best short film. The work tells the story of a women's choir on the verge of disbanding after losing a municipal grant that allowed them to maintain the rehearsal space and which debates whether or not to accept the sponsorship of one of the companies that pollutes the most.

Icoff-Gasteiz combines a national short film competition and the exhibition of award-winning, nominated or participating films in small format in the best film festivals in the world and in international Spanish short film competitions.

Between April 17 and 22, Vital Fundazioa Kulturunea has screened 30 shorts in the Ofiziala section and 14 in Eusko-Araba, selected among the 1,127 submitted to the call.

The programming has given priority to a theme based on sustainability, gender equality and diversity, without forgetting the use of Basque in the most local proposals.

"The second edition of Icoff-Gasteiz has been a success with the public, with rooms full in the Ofiziala section. A large part of the spectators have chosen to enjoy the discussions after the screenings with their protagonists. The Nazioartekoa section has aroused the interest of the audience. There has also been a large influx of people in Eusko-Araba and practically all the directors have come to present their films", the organization highlighted.

The award for best fiction short film went to 'The visitors', by Enrique Buleo, and the jury's special mention went to 'Mussol', by Juanjo Giménez. The list of winners is completed by 'Why' and 'El Kala' (documentary -exaequo), 'Phonorama' (animation), 'Artesanía' (best short from Álava), 'Psicópatas de clase media' (best Basque short), 'Muga' ( short in Basque) and 'Lentils'' (audience award).

https://www.eitb.eus/es/cultura/cine/detalle/9180725/cuerdas-de-urresola-logra-gran-premio-del-festival-icoff-de-vitoria/