Mecal Pro
By Sophie Cameron
Good things come in small packages at Mecal Pro, Barcelona’s festival of short films and animation. Now in its 17th year, the festival treats film aficionados to a wealth of gems from the overlooked world of shorts. Check out the six competitive sections for innovative documentaries, animations and music videos, or discover works from around the globe at themed sessions on B-movies, dance, robots and more.
Another highlight is a cycle dedicated to Sweden, the festival’s guest of honor for 2015. Home to cinematic greats such as Ingmar Bergman and Lasse Hallström, the country will have its new generation of filmmakers showcased as part of the month-long program. Catch winning pieces in a session highlighting the Uppsala Short Film Festival or discover up-and-coming talents from the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts.
The festival opened on March 11th with a free party at Fàbrica Moritz with DJ Capo from La Cupula Music. Screenings and activities take place at multiple venues, including Institut Français, Cinemes Girona, CCCB, Arts Santa Mònica and La Virreina.