A reconsideration of the concepts of “taboo,” the unconscious, and mental worlds in the realm of the image; an invitation to explore unspoken realities and the elusive layers of imagination through innovative cinematic forms
Festival Name: LA MIRADA TABÚ
Location: Zaragoza, Spain
Festival Dates: November 30 to December 12
Edition: 13th Edition
Organizer: LA MIRADA TABÚ
About the Festival:This festival is organized with the aim of encouraging artists and creators to present their personal vision and interpretation of the concept of “taboo”; a broad and multifaceted concept that encompasses subjects such as dreams, the unconscious, mental worlds, and the spirits or shadows that inhabit them, mystery, magic, as well as unspoken realities, unsaid words, and “behind-the-scenes talk,” whether in professional, emotional, family, or individual life.
The aim of this festival is to explore this concept through a multilayered and diverse perspective; a perspective as complex and multidimensional as human thought itself. This perspective may be free and unembellished, humorous, dramatic, or dreamlike, but it must always be expressed with respect for all ways of thinking and through artistic creativity.
The festival invites artists to reveal their unique and unrepeatable world; a world which, as we have seen throughout the history of art and cinema and in the works of the great masters of world cinema, can connect with the deepest, most unknown, and most elusive layers of the viewer’s imagination.
Themes and Focus Areas:Taboo; dreams, the unconscious, mental worlds, and the spirits or shadows present within them, mystery, magic, as well as unspoken realities, unsaid words, and “behind-the-scenes talk.” As the theme of this festival is highly broad and multifaceted, the final decision regarding the degree of relevance and alignment of the works with the festival’s themes will rest with the organizing committee.
Awards:
First Prize: €1,500 and the festival trophy
Second Prize: €900 and the festival trophy
Social Taboo Award: €500 and the festival trophy
Special Taboo Award: €500 and the festival trophy
UNIZAR Young Person Award: €300 and the festival trophy
Accepted Genres:All genres and modes of cinematic narration and expression are accepted, including: experimental, fiction, documentary, music video, video art, animation, and other narrative formats and stylistic approaches.
Running Time:Less than 15 minutes, including end credits
Year of Production:After January 1, 2025
Language and Subtitles:Spanish subtitles are mandatory for works whose original language is not Spanish.
Submission Deadline:October 15, 2026
Additional Notes:Each participant may submit a maximum of 3 works to the festival.
