José Luis Cienfuegos, key name for Spanish film festivals and current director of the Seminci, dies

The organization of the Valladolid International Film Week (Seminci) has confirmed the farewell of its director José Luis Cienfuegos at the age of 60, who dedicated more than three decades to the direction of some of the most important festivals in Spain.

Cienfuegos He began his career in the press department of Gijón Festival, making the leap to direct the event in 1995. In the 16 years he was in charge, he turned the Asturian event into the entrance door in our country for the most daring and stimulating filmmakers, promoting new trends that were emerging globally, and paying special attention to the film past. In 2012 he went on to direct the Seville Festival, also making it spearhead for those authors who were setting the pulse of contemporary cinema, and strengthening their ties with the Spanish and European industry.

2023 marked its arrival to Valladolid. During three editions, he expressed his stamp on address, being faithful to the history and spirit that have characterized Seminci and also leading the festival to a necessary renewal. So until 70 edition, exponent of the conception he had of festivals: places for dialogue through ambitious and unorthodox programming, establishing bridges between creators and the public, and useful and relevant spaces for the industry and filmmakers.