ALCINE 55: discover short films and animation in Alcalá de Henares
by 
Babylon Radio
Listen nowA short film can open a window into another country in less time than a feature. ALCINE returns to Alcalá de Henares from 5 to 15 November, bringing Spanish and European cinema, animation and exhibitions to venues around the historic centre.
The 55th edition offers more than 140 films, according to the festival’s programme announcement. For people new to the Madrid region, it is a chance to discover a nearby cultural scene through a screening, a family afternoon or an exhibition visit.
Explore European stories at the Corral
The European short-film competition runs at the Corral de Comedias from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November. On the Friday, the programme lists three blocks at 17:00, 18:30 and 20:30, offering different selections rather than one long feature.
The opening block includes films by Anne-Sophie Girault, Helen Esther Aschauer, Frank Sweeney, and Morten Borgestad with Fridtjof Stensæth Josefsen. Browse the individual entries to choose a story or filmmaker that interests you, and check subtitle information before booking. An international programme does not mean every screening has English subtitles.
Animation for families and curious visitors
On Sunday 15 November at 17:30, the Teatro Salón Cervantes hosts Lo mejor de ALCINE Kids. It brings together a selection of short films from the festival’s Kids and Junior sections, including the children’s-film prize chosen by the CAJE collective.
For a visit without a screening schedule, Un cuarto animado runs at the Capilla del Oidor from 5 to 29 November. Admission is free. The exhibition explores Spanish animated shorts from 2001 to 2025 through more than 200 pieces contributed by 37 creators, giving visitors a closer look at the work behind moving images.
The same chapel becomes a projection surface on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November at 20:00. The ALCINEdecalle videomapping programme features work created by audiovisual graphics students from the Alberto Corazón art school.
Choose your venue and ticket
The festival’s practical page lists standard screening tickets at €3, with different prices for the opening concert. Follow the ticket link for your chosen event to check availability and the final booking amount.
The festival hub is the Antiguo Hospital Santa María la Rica, at Calle Santa María la Rica 3. Screenings also take place at the Teatro Salón Cervantes and the Corral de Comedias. The organiser recommends Alcalá de Henares station for reaching the centre by train. Check the travel guidance and your return service before setting out.
All times above are local to Alcalá de Henares. Pick one programme that appeals to you and leave time to explore the streets between venues.