Barcelona international women’s film festival
By Charlotte Stace
Barcelona hosts the 33rd edition of the Mostra Internacional de Films de Dones (MIFDB), a feminist film festival that has, since 1993, championed the visibility and recognition of female filmmakers worldwide. This year's theme, "In Strange Company", invites audiences to explore cinema that challenges conventional narratives and highlights desire over fear in turbulent times.
The festival opens with Shahid (2024), directed by Narges Kalhor, an award-winning film from the Berlinale that covers themes of identity and resistance. A highlight is the retrospective dedicated to Sarah Maldoror, a pioneer of African cinema, featuring a double session introduced by her daughter, Annouchka de Andrade. Other notable screenings include Kamikaze Hearts (1986), Hola, Frida (2024), A Picture to Remember (2023), and Playland (2023).
Beyond film screenings, the festival offers activities that focus on a number of important themes, from lesbian and bisexual narratives to inclusivity. There are also educational programmes and conferences.