AWARDED Films of 8th FICNOVA 2026
The international jury, comprising non-violence activists from various cities in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Spain and Mexico, has awarded prizes in this year’s edition to four films from Germany, Spain and Guatemala in the following four categories:
- Educational Centres Section:
- Primary – Secondary
- General section:
- Short films
- Medium-length films
- Feature-length films
In all these works, we recognise not only a condemnation of various forms of violence and discrimination, but also that each one offers different ways forward or means of overcoming or positively transforming such situations, steering the future towards a non-violent path, from the isolated position of ‘Me’ to one connected with ‘Us’.
EDUCATIONAL CENTRES: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
THE WHEELCHAIR
Directors – Clara García, Mariano Reinaldos. IES Ramón Arcas Meca (Lorca)
6 min. España. 2024
Synopsis:
Don’t just sit there.
Empathy: The ability to identify with someone and share their feelings.
GENERAL SECTION: SHORT FILMS
TAPESTRY OF LIGHT, LIFE AND COMMUNITY IN GUATEMALA
Guatemala. 2025. 23 min.
Dir: Paula Recinos
Milvia, Magda, Virginia, Jimena, Francis and Maya share a common dream: a future of hope for their communities. They are Guatemalan women – indigenous weavers, artists, public defenders and traditional midwives – who are fighting to defend democracy, human rights and cultural heritage at a time of historic political transformation.
The play weaves together the stories of women who have spearheaded legislative initiatives, shaped national policies, fought for human rights, built collective movements and created spaces for art and activism – all in the pursuit of peace, justice, freedom and a life free from fear. Their journeys reveal that the strength of their communities has been the key to their transformation.
This is a story of resilience, hope, struggle and activism, led by women who refuse to be silenced. Now more than ever, their stories must be brought to light.
GENERAL SECTION: MID-LENGTH FILMS
WOMEN OF RESILIENCE
Germany. 2025. 54 min.
Dir. Andreas Rochholl, Sebastian Leitner
Stories of Kurdish identity: Two former Kurdish female guerrilla fighters reconnect over their shared history and their decision to leave the movement in order to fight for Kurdish freedom in a different, non-violent way. A story of resistance against the suppression of one’s own voice and culture. It is also the story of an irreversible and personal decision to give up everything, and of the courage of women who, like thousands of other young women, went ‘to the mountains’… only to leave it all behind years later, swapping weapons for art and activism.
GENERAL SECTION: FEATURE FILMS
THE EYES OF THE FUTURE
Spain. 2025. 66 min
Dir: José María Borrell Balsells
The Eyes of the Future explores the impact of African immigration on Europe, analysing the roots of this phenomenon, the reasons behind these migratory flows and, above all, the experiences of those who arrive in search of a new beginning. From cultural and linguistic barriers to opportunities for integration through education and local support, the documentary examines the challenges of adapting to a society that they often find complex and hostile, offering a reflection on how our society treats African immigrants arriving in our country and on the future that this holds for us.
