Elche International Independent Film Festival has received a record number of 2,077 short films from 59 countries for its 48th year. The festival, scheduled to take place from July 11 to 18, will be hosted at various venues, including l’Hort del Xocolater, Arenales del Sol Beach, and the Odeón Cinemas in Elche. Out of the 2,077 short films submitted, 1,473 are from Spain, with notable contributions from countries such as Argentina (100 entries), Iran (66), Brazil (58), France (49), Colombia (46), Mexico (28), Italy (21), and Peru (18). In total, filmmakers from 59 countries participated, reflecting the festival’s global reach. This year’s competition includes five categories: Fiction (878 entries), New Author (724), Documentary (287), Animation (130), and Fescurt-Comunitat Valenciana (58). The selected films will compete for seven official awards, with a total prize pool of €15,500. The Mediterranean Foundation has also reinstated awards for Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay this year. Since its inception in 1978, the Elche Film Festival has screened nearly 47,000 films, establishing itself as one of Spain’s longest-running and most respected short film festivals. The festival continues to prioritise the discovery and promotion of new talent, as well as supporting the professionalisation and growth of the short film industry. For more information, contact festivalcinelche@fundacionmediterraneo.es or visit the official festival website: fundacionmediterraneo.es.