On March 6 and 7, Lleialtat Santsenca became the nerve center of science fiction in Barcelona. The first edition of SciFi BCN was not only a reality, but also a resounding success: more than 600 spectators in just five sessions confirm that there was great demand for such a festival.
The festival opened with a bold move: a free screening of AI, by Steven Spielberg, one of the great works of contemporary science fiction. Before the screening, however, the audience was able to enjoy an opening party with beer included, in an atmosphere that already anticipated the spirit of the festival: intimate, festive, and shared.
That same day, SciFi BCN also became a space for conversation and reflection. Journalist Karen Madrid recorded an episode of the podcast IdílliQ, accompanied by Ricard Efa, author of the Stella Signata saga, one of the most distinctive voices in current Catalan science fiction.
The festival's screenings and activities were accompanied by an exhibition of classic science fiction cinema posters, which included posters of titles such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Solaris, and Forbidden Planet, with versions from France, Germany, Poland, Japan, and other countries.
Saturday morning was dedicated to board games, in collaboration with the Caldaus association. With ten tables full throughout the session, participants explored universes like Arrakis, Coruscant, and Mecatol Rex, demonstrating that science fiction is also experienced through shared play.
One of the most special moments of the festival was the screening of The Man Chased by a UFO (1976) and the tribute to its director, Juan Carlos Olaria. Considered the first Catalan science fiction film, the session combined humor, memory, and emotion.
The subsequent panel discussion, with Olaria himself, cinematographer Paco Marín Andreu, and moderated by Jordi Izquierdo, offered a privileged look at a key piece of our film heritage.
In this context, Olaria received the first Honorary Moon of SciFi BCN, a recognition of an entire career dedicated to the genre.
If there was a big question about this first edition, it was the response to the short film call. The response exceeded all expectations: 970 works received from all over the world.
From this impressive volume, the programming committee selected 28, from 12 countries, which were divided into three sessions. The result was diverse and bold programming: from humor to horror, from animation to live action, from ultra-short pieces to longer narratives.
Some of the works were backed by festivals like Sitges or Trieste; others came from all over the world to find their first audience at SciFi BCN. In all cases, the response was clear: full theaters and enthusiastic reception.
As we have said, it was a short film competition, and therefore, the festival awarded multiple prizes. SciFi BCN 2026 had the honor of having as jury members Àlex Gorina, journalist and former director of the Sitges Festival; Isabel del Río, science fiction and fantasy writer and bookseller; and Marta Torres, journalist, critic, and one of the founders of Editorial Hermenaute. Additionally, the Catalan Society of Science Fiction and Fantasy collaborated with us, awarding one of the prizes.
Finally, the awards were:
Finally, the festival wanted to take advantage of Àlex Gorina's presence as a member of the Official Jury to pay tribute to one of the people who has inspired more Catalans to love cinema. His Honorary Moon closed the circle of a festival that not only looks to the future, but also knows where it comes from.
SciFi BCN 2026 has been much more than a first edition: it has been a statement of intent. With the support of the public and the community, the festival is already looking forward to a second edition that is even more ambitious.
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