“Las voces del despeñadero”, winner of the 16th edition of the BCN Sports Film Festival
The 16th edition of the BCN Sports Film Festival held its Closing and Award Ceremony this afternoon at the Museu Olímpic i de l’Esport Joan Antoni Samaranch, bringing an intense week of cinema and sport to a close.
The event was attended by David Escudé, President of the Fundació Barcelona Olímpica and Barcelona City Councillor for Sports; Berni Álvarez, Minister of Sports of the Government of Catalonia; Juli Pernas and M. Teresa Samaranch, trustees of the Fundació Barcelona Olímpica; and Joana Ortega, Councillor of Barcelona City Councilamong other institutional representatives.
The ceremony was hosted by journalist Mireia Vicente and honoured the best productions of an edition that screened 85 films selected from more than 3,200 submissions worldwide.
Àmfora Ciutat de Barcelona Award for Best Film: ‘LAS VOCES DEL DESPEÑADERO’
David Escudé, President of the Fundació Barcelona Olímpica, presented the Àmfora Ciutat de Barcelona Award for Best Film of the 16th edition of the BCN Sports Film Festival to Las voces del despeñadero, directed by Irving Serrano.
The documentary immerses viewers in the ritual of the cliff divers of La Quebrada (Mexico), who leap from a 35-metre cliff in an act that combines tradition, faith and reflection on life and death. Irving Serrano received the award on stage and thanked the festival for the recognition.
Special Jury Award: ‘INNER FIGHT’
The Official Jury of the 16th edition awarded the Special Jury Award to Inner Fight.
The film recounts how, in 2023, an avalanche in Verbier nearly took the life of rider Núria Castán, and follows her fight not only against the mountains, but also against herself.
Best Animation Film: ‘PAPILLON’
The Best Animation Film award went to Papillon, directed by Florence Miailhe.
Nominated for the Academy Awards, the film offers an intimate journey through water and memory, exploring a man’s recollections from childhood to adulthood.
Best Documentary: ‘MOTHER & FOOTBALLER’
David Escudé presented the Best Documentary award to Mother & Footballer, directed by Marta Busquets, who received the award on stage.
The documentary explores motherhood in women’s football, highlighting the challenges motherhood can pose for a professional player.
Best Fiction Film: ‘LES EFFACEURS’
The Best Fiction Film award went to Les Effaceurs, directed by Fréderick Vin.
Set during the Tour de France, the film follows two men tasked with removing sexual, obscene or political graffiti from the roads before the peloton and TV crews pass through. A video message sent by Fréderick Vin was screened during the ceremony.
Best Adventure Sports Film – Álvaro Bultó Award: ‘THE FLYING VIKING’
The Best Adventure Sports Film – Álvaro Bultó Award went to The Flying Viking, directed by Christian Abi Abboud.
In a world where dreams touch the sky, Richard, Sajid and Mark pursue the ultimate thrill: flying like birds. From childhood fantasies to soaring through the air in wingsuits, it is a journey of joy, danger and passion.
Best Catalan Production: ‘EL PETIT PEÓ’
Berni Álvarez, Minister of Sports of the Government of Catalonia, presented the Best Catalan Production award to El petit peó, directed by Joan Gamero, who received the award on stage.
The documentary revisits the story of chess prodigy Arturo Pomar and reflects on talent and pressure in post-war Spain.
Sport and Society Award: ‘WARRIORHEART’
The Sport and Society Award went to Warriorheart, directed by Marianne Ulrichsen.
The film tells the story of Vilja, a 12-year-old girl passionate about wrestling who faces both the sport’s physical demands and her parents’ unexpected separation. A video message sent by director Marianne Ulrichsen and producer Mona Hoel was screened during the ceremony.
Special Mentions – Selection Jury: ‘MERCKX’ and ‘CYCLE OR BICYCLE’
In addition to the official awards, the Selection Jury granted two Special Mentions to outstanding finalist works. The Selection Jury was composed of Agustí Argelich (Director of the BCN Sports Film Festival), Juli Pernas, Joan Manuel Surroca and Mireia Vicente.
The first Special Mention went to Merckx, directed by Christophe Hermans, a journey into the heart of cycling legend Eddy Merckx.
The second Special Mention went to Cycle or Bicycle, directed by Roxane Campor, a story about the passion for cycling and the subtle difference between being a cyclist and simply riding a bicycle.
During the ceremony, an emotional tribute was also paid to Rubèn Peris, General Director of the Volta a Catalunya, in recognition of his career and contribution to Catalan cycling and sport.
With this ceremony, the BCN Sports Film Festival closes its 16th edition, consolidating its position as an international reference in sports cinema.
