Marbella International Film Festival 2027 – Spain

What to expect

Marbella International Film Festival (MIFF) is an international film festival in Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol, bringing together independent filmmakers, actors, producers, writers, investors, distributors and film audiences. The festival is organised by New World Trust, a non-profit organisation that supports artists and initiatives within the creative industries.

MIFF has a strong emphasis on independent and emerging filmmakers, while also positioning itself as a place where creative projects can meet the commercial film industry. Its programme combines screenings with networking, workshops, masterclasses, pitching opportunities, red-carpet events, receptions, parties and an awards ceremony.

The festival’s competitive programme has traditionally covered several categories, including feature films, documentaries, shorts and shorter shorts. More recently, the festival has also developed dedicated AI and digital-content programming, reflecting its growing interest in new methods of film production and content creation.

For visitors, MIFF offers a different experience from a purely cinema-focused festival. The combination of film screenings, industry networking and luxury Costa del Sol hospitality gives the event a particularly social and professional atmosphere.

The festival is also designed for filmmakers who want to build relationships beyond simply screening their work. Industry passes can provide access to workshops, networking sessions, masterclasses and professional activities, while higher-level packages can include VIP receptions and gala events.

Festival dates

October 2027 (Dates TBD)

The organisers have not yet published the definitive 2027 schedule. The festival is expected to continue its established annual format, but the exact 2027 programme, screening timetable and event locations should be treated as unconfirmed until announced through the official Marbella Film Festival website.

The most recent confirmed edition demonstrates that MIFF normally combines several days of screenings with professional activities, networking events, parties and a closing awards ceremony.

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Venues & festival locations

The festival’s current official information identifies Red Dog Cinema in Puerto Banús as the principal screening venue. The cinema is described by MIFF as an avant-garde multi-space with seven auditoriums, capacities ranging from approximately 115 to 475 people, a multipurpose area and a rooftop Sky Garden.

Red Dog Cinema

Red Dog Cinema is located on Avenida de Julio Iglesias in Puerto Banús and serves as the main screening location. Its multiple auditoriums allow the festival to programme several films and categories while maintaining dedicated screening spaces.

The venue is particularly suitable for premieres, competitive screenings and red-carpet presentations because of its modern facilities and location within one of the Costa del Sol’s best-known luxury destinations.

Puerto Banús

Puerto Banús provides the festival with an internationally recognisable setting surrounded by restaurants, hotels, marina facilities, shops and nightlife. It also offers convenient opportunities for informal networking outside the formal festival programme.

Festival accommodation

The official festival has also used partner hotels as accommodation and networking bases. The latest official information lists Exe Estepona Thalasso & Spa as the festival’s accommodation location, while the festival package information also refers to discounted accommodation for delegates.

The precise 2027 hotel and event-space arrangements have not yet been announced.

Full programme

The 2027 programme has not yet been released, but MIFF’s established structure provides a clear indication of the types of activities visitors can expect.

Feature films

Feature-length productions form one of the festival’s principal competitive categories. Previous programmes have included independent productions from countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Documentaries

Documentaries provide another important competitive category and give filmmakers an opportunity to present factual, social, cultural and personal stories to an international audience.

Short films

The short-film programme features emerging filmmakers and compact productions across different genres and styles.

Shorter Shorts

MIFF has historically maintained a dedicated shorter-short category, giving filmmakers working with very concise formats a competitive platform. Previous editions have included films competing specifically within this category.

AI-created films

The festival has developed an AI and digital-content section. The recent programme included AI-created productions from countries including Korea, Brazil, Taiwan, India, Iran, the United States and Azerbaijan.

Pitch Your Vision

Pitch Your Vision provides writers, directors, producers and content creators with an opportunity to present projects to industry professionals, investors and potential co-producers.

Workshops and masterclasses

The festival also offers professional education through workshops and masterclasses covering areas such as directing, production, financing, acting and emerging technology.

Featured films & premieres

The 2027 film selection has not yet been announced.

MIFF has traditionally focused on independent cinema and emerging filmmakers rather than relying exclusively on established commercial productions. The festival’s competitive programme provides opportunities for films to be evaluated by an international jury and presented to industry professionals.

Recent programmes have included feature films such as Dead Actually, April X, Little Dreamerz, Tango at Dawn, Underworld, Where There Is Love There Is No Darkness and Zero Limits.

The recent short-film programme included The Informant, Catfish, Fundbox – A Love Story and #Habanalike, while the AI programme included productions such as Cassandra Venice, Door to Tomorrow, Prompted and Shepherd.

World premieres and other premiere screenings are an important part of the festival experience. The official venue page specifically describes Red Dog Cinema as the main screening venue including world premieres.

For 2027, individual film titles, premiere status and screening arrangements should be confirmed through the official festival programme once released.

Directors, actors & guests

MIFF attracts filmmakers and performers alongside producers, investors and other creative professionals.

Previous editions have featured filmmakers presenting their films, participating in discussions and taking part in industry activities. The festival also recognises performers through awards such as Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Newcomer.

The professional programme provides opportunities for directors and producers to meet potential collaborators. Pitch Your Vision is particularly relevant to filmmakers seeking financing, development partners or co-production opportunities.

Actors can also participate through festival screenings, red-carpet appearances, acting-related workshops and professional networking. Previous programming has included an acting class and a “Reveal Your Talent” opportunity for actors to audition.

The 2027 jury, guest filmmakers, actors, speakers and special invitees have not yet been announced.

Screening schedule

The 2027 screening timetable is not yet available.

MIFF normally operates a multi-session screening programme in which feature films, documentaries, shorts and other selected works are presented throughout the festival.

The multi-auditorium format at Red Dog Cinema allows several films to be screened within the same overall programme, making it possible for visitors to create a personalised itinerary. The venue has seven auditoriums with different capacities.

Previous MIFF programmes have included afternoon and evening screenings, red-carpet presentations and repeat screenings of selected films.

Visitors should check the official timetable once published and allow additional time when moving between screening rooms, workshops and networking events.

Ticket types & accreditation

The 2027 public ticket structure has not yet been announced. MIFF’s previous editions have concentrated heavily on festival passes and professional packages rather than operating solely as a conventional cinema ticketing event.

The most recently published package structure provides useful guidance on the previous edition’s pricing.

Delegate Pass

The published Delegate Pass was £550, approximately US$744, with an early-bird price of £450, approximately US$608. It included access to screenings, daily industry networking coffee mornings, the opening cocktail reception, a guided Marbella Old Town tour and delegate support.

Industry Pass

The published Industry Pass was £675, approximately US$912, with an early-bird price of £590, approximately US$797. It included screenings, networking, professional workshops, a masterclass on film financing, the Directors & Producers Masterclass, the opening cocktail reception and an invitation to a luxury yacht after-party.

VIP Pass

The published VIP Pass was £1,200, approximately US$1,620, with an early-bird price of £975, approximately US$1,316. It included premium networking, selected priority seating, VIP events, professional meetings and a ticket to the gala dinner and awards ceremony.

These are previous-edition package prices and should not be treated as confirmed 2027 prices.

Industry & professional access

Industry participation is one of the defining features of Marbella International Film Festival.

Industry networking

The festival provides structured opportunities for delegates to meet filmmakers, producers, investors, distributors and other creative professionals.

Pitch Your Vision

Pitch Your Vision allows selected writers, directors, producers and content creators to pitch projects directly to a panel of industry professionals. Successful participants are expected to attend in person and obtain the required festival accreditation and industry access.

Film financing

The festival’s professional programme includes educational sessions dealing with film financing and project development. These activities are particularly useful for independent filmmakers looking for ways to move projects from development toward production.

Directors and Producers Masterclass

The Directors & Producers Masterclass provides practical industry education for people interested in the creative and commercial sides of filmmaking.

AI and digital media

The festival has expanded its industry programme into AI and digital content. Its recent AI & Media Summit brought together discussions around the effect of artificial intelligence on creative production and the wider media industry.

Red carpet & special events

Red-carpet activities are a major part of the MIFF experience.

The festival combines film premieres and screenings with opening receptions, after-parties, networking events and a formal gala dinner and awards ceremony.

Previous editions have featured cocktail receptions, red-carpet premieres, private industry gatherings and closing gala events. The festival’s published package information also includes invitations to selected receptions, after-parties and VIP functions.

The gala dinner and awards ceremony is particularly important because it brings together nominees, winners, filmmakers, guests and industry professionals in one formal closing event.

The festival has also organised luxury yacht events and other invitation-based networking functions, making the social programme an important component for accredited delegates.

The 2027 red-carpet films, special guests, gala arrangements and after-parties have not yet been announced.

Festival rules

MIFF operates according to formal submission and selection rules. The festival’s board selects films for the official programme and provides selected films with a Certificate of Participation.

Previous regulations and current submission information show that the festival accepts categories including features, documentaries, shorts, shorter shorts and AI-created content.

Film submission

Films must be submitted through the festival’s designated submission process and satisfy the applicable category requirements.

Technical delivery

Selected filmmakers are required to provide the necessary screening materials and promotional information. The current submission rules require selected films to provide appropriate digital screening materials and promotional assets.

Subtitles

The festival’s rules have historically required non-English-language films to be presented with English subtitles, with the producer responsible for subtitling expenses. Previous regulations have also required English-language films to have Spanish subtitles for final screening versions.

Jury independence

The festival’s competition jury is selected by the board, and people involved in the production or promotion of a film in competition cannot serve on the relevant jury.

The definitive 2027 regulations should be checked before submitting a film because category requirements and submission conditions can change.

How to get there

Marbella is located on Spain’s Costa del Sol in Málaga province and is accessible from several major transport hubs.

By air

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the principal international airport for visitors travelling to Marbella. The airport has extensive connections with Spanish and European destinations.

From Málaga Airport, visitors can continue to Marbella by bus, taxi, private transfer or rental car.

By bus

Long-distance and regional buses connect Marbella with Málaga and other Costa del Sol destinations. Bus travel can be practical for visitors staying in central Marbella.

By car

The A-7 and AP-7 provide road connections along the Costa del Sol. Driving is particularly convenient for visitors staying outside central Marbella or combining the festival with other destinations.

From Marbella to Puerto Banús

Puerto Banús is close to Marbella and can be reached by local bus, taxi or car. The principal screening venue is located in Puerto Banús, so visitors should consider this when selecting accommodation.

Public transport & parking

Local buses connect Marbella with Puerto Banús and other parts of the Costa del Sol. Taxis are also widely available and can be particularly useful after evening festival events.

Visitors staying in Marbella’s central area can generally reach Puerto Banús without needing a private car.

For those driving, Puerto Banús provides parking facilities around the marina and commercial areas, although availability can become more limited during busy periods.

The festival’s accommodation and event arrangements may also provide transport or concierge assistance for accredited delegates. The published delegate packages specifically mention access to a Festival Concierge Team for local information and delegate support.

Accommodation areas

Marbella Old Town

Marbella’s Old Town is a good option for visitors who want historic streets, restaurants, cafés and a traditional Andalusian atmosphere. It also provides convenient access to central Marbella attractions.

Puerto Banús

Staying in Puerto Banús is particularly convenient for visitors prioritising the main screening venue. The area offers luxury hotels, restaurants, nightlife and marina facilities.

Golden Mile

The Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banús provides upscale hotels and resorts and is well positioned for festival visitors attending screenings and networking events in both areas.

Estepona

Estepona can be suitable for visitors seeking a quieter coastal base. The festival’s recent official venue information has identified Exe Estepona Thalasso & Spa as accommodation associated with MIFF.

Festival partner hotels

Accredited delegates may have access to preferential accommodation rates through official festival packages. These arrangements should be confirmed directly with MIFF when 2027 packages are released.

Food & dining

Marbella and Puerto Banús provide a wide range of dining options, from traditional Andalusian restaurants to international fine dining.

Andalusian cuisine

Visitors can try tapas, grilled seafood, Iberian pork, gazpacho, fried fish and other southern Spanish dishes.

Mediterranean dining

Fresh seafood, salads, rice dishes and grilled meats are widely available around Marbella and Puerto Banús.

International restaurants

Because Marbella has a large international visitor and resident population, the area has restaurants representing many cuisines, including Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern and contemporary European food.

Puerto Banús dining

The marina area has numerous restaurants and bars, making it particularly convenient for festival visitors who want to eat between screenings or continue networking after events.

Visitors attending a full day of screenings and industry activities may find casual restaurants and cafés more practical than formal dining, while gala events provide a more elaborate festival dining experience.

Accessibility

The festival uses modern cinema and hospitality venues, but accessibility can vary according to the specific screening or event location.

Red Dog Cinema is a modern multi-auditorium complex with purpose-built event facilities, which should make it suitable for a wide range of visitors, although visitors requiring specific accessibility arrangements should confirm them directly with the venue.

Hotel accessibility can also vary. Delegates requiring accessible rooms, step-free access, adapted bathrooms or other assistance should communicate their requirements before booking.

Festival packages include concierge support for delegates, which can be useful for arranging local information and accommodation assistance.

The 2027 festival has not yet published a dedicated accessibility guide, so visitors with specific requirements should contact the festival before making arrangements.

Best screenings to attend

Best Feature Films

Feature-film competition screenings are a priority for visitors who want to experience the main international competition. These screenings often provide the strongest opportunity to discover independent productions and emerging directors.

Best Short Films

The short-film programme is useful for visitors who want to see a greater variety of filmmaking styles within a shorter period. It can also introduce audiences to directors who may later develop feature projects.

Best AI Films

The AI-created film programme is particularly interesting for visitors following the development of artificial intelligence in filmmaking and digital storytelling. The previous programme included both narrative and experimental AI productions.

Best Red-Carpet Screenings

Red-carpet screenings are recommended for visitors who want the full festival atmosphere, including filmmaker appearances, photography opportunities and a more formal presentation environment.

Best Industry Sessions

Professionals and aspiring filmmakers should prioritise Pitch Your Vision, financing sessions, directing and producing masterclasses, networking coffee mornings and AI-related discussions.

Best Awards Event

The gala dinner and awards ceremony is the natural choice for visitors who want to experience the festival’s most formal celebration and see the competition winners recognised.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition marked the festival’s 20th anniversary and featured an expanded programme of film screenings, professional activities, networking and special events. The organisers described the edition as an extensive industry-focused programme held around the Mett Resort environment.

The film competition included features such as Dead Actually, April X, Kevin & Cassandra, Little Dreamerz, Tango at Dawn, Underworld, Where There Is Love There Is No Darkness and Zero Limits.

Dead Actually won Best Feature Film, while its lead performer Sandra Dickinson received Best Actress. Oumar Diaw won Best Actor for Where There Is Love There Is No Darkness. Stefano Gonzalez won Best Director for Catfish, and Chloe Stannage received the Best Newcomer award.

The AI competition was another major feature. Cassandra Venice won Best AI Generated Film, while Andy Hart won Best AI Director. The programme included AI works from filmmakers working across several countries and styles.

The festival also included an AI & Media Summit, daily networking activities, workshops, masterclasses, parties, cocktail receptions, a gala dinner and awards ceremony, and the Pitch Your Vision competition.

The combination of cinema and industry programming demonstrates why MIFF appeals particularly strongly to independent filmmakers and professionals seeking networking opportunities.

Official tickets & accreditation

The official source for Marbella International Film Festival information, submissions, festival packages, programme announcements and accreditation is the Marbella Film Festival website.

Marbella International Film Festival – Official Website (https://www.marbellafilmfestival.com/)

The festival’s official contact email is info@marbellafilmfestival.com.

The 2027 ticket and package structure has not yet been announced. Visitors should therefore use the official festival website for the confirmed public ticketing arrangements once they become available.

For filmmakers, the official submissions section provides information about film categories, entry requirements and submission procedures. The most recent submission information includes Feature, Documentary, Short and AI Content categories, while Pitch Your Vision provides a separate route for selected project pitches.

Professional delegates should check the festival’s package information before travelling because industry and VIP passes can provide substantially different access levels.