W E L C O M E   T O   C L I M A X ’S   V E X H I B I T I O N

​W H E R E   A R T   A N D    C I N E M A    C O L L I D E

"CINEMA IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FRAUD IN THE WORLD"
JEAN-LUC GODARD

C L I M A X IS A UNIQUE VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL, DISTINGUISHING ITSELF AS AN "ART GALLERY" FOR CINEMATIC WORKS. STREAMED ANNUALLY, C L I M A X UNIQUELY POSITIONS ITSELF AT THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND INNOVATION, DRAWING FILMS THAT PULSATE WITH ORIGINALITY, COMPLEXITY, AND A DISTINCTIVE NARRATIVE SUBTEXT, C L I M A X HOLDS A MAGNIFYING GLASS OVER WORKS THAT EMPLOY UNCONVENTIONAL METHODOLOGIES AND FACETS OF CINEMATIC EXPRESSION, EAGERLY SEARCHING FOR THE ELUSIVE "X FACTOR."

THIS FESTIVAL IS NOT JUST ANY OTHER EVENT; IT'S A GLOBAL PLATFORM RECOGNIZED AND ACCREDITED BY IMDB AND THE FILMFINITY ALLIANCE. ITS STATURE IS FURTHER ELEVATED WITH SIGNIFICANT PRESS COVERAGE FROM LUMINARIES LIKE THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS ("ASC") AND MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE. IN WEAVING TOGETHER THE ESSENCE OF AN ONLINE FESTIVAL WITH THE ALLURE OF A POP-UP STREAMER, C L I M A X HAS TRULY REDEFINED INDUSTRY STANDARDS, PRESENTING AN UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITY FOR INDEPENDENT CINEMATIC MAESTROS.

BUT, THE ALLURE OF C L I M A X ISN'T JUST IN ITS INNOVATIVE APPROACH; IT'S IN THE TANGIBLE REWARDS AND UNIQUE INCENTIVES THAT IT OFFERS. COMPETING IN THE FESTIVAL NOT ONLY GRANTS A FILM IMDB ACCREDITED RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATED LAURELS, BUT IT ALSO ENSURES THAT A SINGLE STANDARD SUBMISSION OPENS THE DOOR TO ALL AWARD CATEGORIES. FILMS ARE PROJECTED ONTO A DIGITAL CANVAS THAT ACHIEVES A STAGGERING 1 MILLION PAID MEDIA REACH.

FURTHERMORE, THE SELECTED CREATIONS ARE ILLUMINATED THROUGH FEATURED ARTICLES, ENSURING THEIR STORIES RESONATE FAR AND WIDE. BYPASSING THE TRADITIONAL, OFTEN AGONIZING WAIT OF A FULL YEAR, C L I M A X OFFERS RESULTS IN A CONDENSED TIMEFRAME. AND FOR THOSE SEEKING TO FURTHER ELEVATE THEIR FILMS, A SURE-INVESTMENT OPTION IS AVAILABLE, OFFERING A PROFESSIONALLY CURATED FILM REVIEW, ENHANCED PRESS COVERAGE, OR BESPOKE PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS.

IN A TESTAMENT TO ITS COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING TALENT, THE FESTIVAL OFFERS ITS WINNERS A CHANCE TO FLIP THE SCRIPT, INVITING THEM TO BE A PART OF THE ESTEEMED JURY THE SUBSEQUENT YEAR.

WITH ACCOLADES, INVALUABLE FEEDBACK, AND UNMATCHED PROMOTION, C L I M A X STANDS AS A BEACON, ILLUMINATING THE PATH FOR ARTISTS AND ENSURING THEIR WORKS RECEIVE THE EXPOSURE THEY TRULY DESERVE.

C I N E M A T I C   V I S I O N A R I E S :

​F I L M   C R I T I C S   &   C U R A T O R S   O F   C|||L|||I|||M|||A|||X

R|A|Ú|L|||A|S|E|N|S|I|O|||D|Í|E|Z

Raúl Asensio Díez, a distinguished Spanish journalist, writer, and film critic hailing from Cartagena, has a passion for weaving stories that started at a tender age. Author of three compelling novels, including "El viaje del olvido" and "Leo y Maya", his expertise in the cinematic realm culminated in the creation of the C L I M A X Festival Internacional de Cinema Independiente in Madrid, where he serves as the head of its International Jury. Alongside his roles in cinema, Raúl is the Chief of Marketing, Communications, and Revenue Operations at Filmfinity, working closely with acclaimed festival director Adrián Pérez.

F E R N A N D O  B|O|N|E|L|L|I

Fernando Bonelli, with a diverse background in law and economic-financial management, began his journey in Globo Media, where he led the artistic department, significantly influencing series like "Médico de Familia" and "7 Vidas." Venturing into entrepreneurship, he established the esteemed Bonelli & Asociados, and later, film production companies like Consuelo Films. His cinematic journey was further enhanced when he took to screenwriting and directing, with his short film "[Still] love you" marking the beginning. Yet, it was "Planeta Tierra Llamando A Ana" that solidified his acclaim, winning over 50 awards and becoming a finalist for a Goya Award.

P A B L O   P O R C U N A

Pablo Porcuna, a seasoned filmmaker from Córdoba and now Madrid-based, boasts a rich portfolio, having collaborated with powerhouses like Netflix, Atresplayer Premium, Movistar+, and Apple TV, with many of his productions gracing cinema screens. Beyond his technical prowess in the film industry, Pablo leads from the front as the CEO of FERIA Studio, a dynamic production hub that crafts fashion films, branded content, and various fictional formats. His recent venture, "Sobras", marks a pivotal moment, being the first short film produced since the inception of his company.

J U L I O   D E L   A L A M O

Julio del Álamo, with filmmaking roots tracing back to a Betamax-shot short at age 14, evolved into an influential figure in Spanish advertising cinema. As the founder of Alamofilms in 1995, he's celebrated for crafting iconic campaigns that earned accolades at Cannes, El Sol, and FIAP. He was notably a finalist last year for his AI-generated film, "Brearth", and continues to be a sought-after freelance director represented globally, Julio's unique ability to direct actors and his profound understanding of narrative structures ensure each film he crafts is both compelling and meticulously executed.

D A N I E L   P R A D I L L A   D|E   B E D O U T

Daniel Pradilla De Bedout, an award-winning Mexican/Colombian producer and director, has carved a niche in the film and TV industry with titans like Sony Pictures Television and Fox ETM. Having led major productions, including endeavors for Fox Sports during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Daniel's acclaimed short film laid the foundation for his feature project, “Pongamos Que Hablo De Ti”. Currently, he's translating the novel “Tiempo Suspendido” into screen magic, solidifying his global cinematic imprint.

J O S É   L U Í S   S E R Z O

José Luís Serzo, an illustrious multidisciplinary artist from Albacete, is renowned for his evocative exhibitions, blending various art forms to weave dreamlike tales. Showcased in eminent venues like Museo ABC in Madrid and Domus Artium DA2 in Salamanca, his narrative masterpieces like "Post Show" have gained international acclaim. Represented by prestigious galleries and a fixture in global art fairs from ARCO to SCOPEMIAMI, Serzo's work resonates in both private and public collections. His triumph with "Archimétrica" at last year's festival further underscores his artistic prowess.

A N A  S E R Z O

Ana Serzo, with over two decades in the performing arts, has graced various stages spanning theatre, dance, improvisation, and musicals, notably with the iconic Yllana. Her exemplary skills earned her awards for "Archimétrica". Since 2008, she's been a pivotal force at La Excéntrica, mastering roles from actress to assistant director. With outstanding productions under her belt, including her solo performance, "Clownas by Ana Serzo" at Teatro Circo Price, her versatility shines. Besides her rich theatre journey, she's also contributed immensely to Madrid's artistic hub, La Excéntrica, and the company Beti Alai Producciones.

L Y U W E I   C H E N

Lyuwei Chen, a celebrated documentary filmmaker, boasts master's degrees from New York University in News and Documentary and from the Communication University of China in Musicology. With a lens keenly focused on social matters, familial intricacies, and individual viewpoints, Lyuwei seamlessly blends storytelling prowess with her profound visual acumen. Her dedication to genuine narratives shines through her work, striving to connect with audiences globally. Her most recent triumph, "Praying Mantis," chronicles the life of Tony Chuy, a Praying Mantis martial arts maestro in New York's Chinatown, capturing his journey from Hong Kong and his cultural identity's preservation through martial arts in America.

H O N O U R S   &    D I S T I N C T I O N S

INTRODUCING THE AWARD CATEGORIES

DIVE INTO OUR CURATED AWARD CATEGORIES WHERE EVERY SUBMISSION IS METICULOUSLY EVALUATED. EACH YEAR, THREE CLASSIFIERS DILIGENTLY SIFT THROUGH ENTRIES, EARMARKING THOSE THAT QUALIFY FOR IMDb-ACCREDITED OFFICIAL NOMINATIONS AND AWARDS. FILMS AND PROJECTS THAT DON'T SECURE A SPOT IN THE OFFICIAL RANKS MIGHT STILL SHINE AS SEMI-FINALISTS OR QUARTER-FINALISTS, WHILE SOME MAY NOT ADVANCE AT THE DISCRETION OF OUR ESTEEMED JURY. REMEMBER, BY CHOOSING A SINGLE SUBMISSION CATEGORY ON FILMFREEWAY, YOUR WORK BECOMES ELIGIBLE ACROSS ALL PERTINENT AWARD CATEGORIES, MAGNIFYING YOUR CHANCES OF RECOGNITION.

BUT OUR FESTIVAL'S ALLURE DOESN'T END AT THE NOMINATIONS. COMPETING AT CLIMAX COMES WITH A BUNDLE OF ENTICING INCENTIVES: THE OPTION OF A NUANCED PROFESSIONAL FILM REVIEW OR A DEEP-DIVING ACADEMIC FILM ESSAY, EXPOSURE THROUGH ESTEEMED FILM JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES, AND A PLACE IN OUR GRAND VEXHIBITION THAT BOASTS AN INVESTMENT REACHING UP TO 1M PAID MEDIA IMPRESSIONS. YOUR CINEMATIC JOURNEY WITH US PROMISES VISIBILITY, ACCOLADES, AND A UNIQUE PLATFORM WHERE ART AND CINEMA BEAUTIFULLY INTERTWINE.

​MAIN FILM AWARD CATEGORIES

- BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR
- BEST LIVE ACTION FEATURE FILM
- BEST LIVE ACTION MEDIUM-LENGTH FILM
- BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
- BEST LIVE ACTION MICRO-SHORT FILM
- BEST STUDENT FILM
- BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM
- BEST QUEER CINEMA
- BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
- BEST SPANISH FILM
- OUTSTANDING DRAMATIC FILM
- OUTSTANDING COMEDIC OR MUSICAL FILM
- OUTSTANDING SPECTACLE, ADRENALINE OR FANTASIA
- OUTSTANDING MACABRE OR SUSPENSE FILM
- BEST ANIMATED FILM
- BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
- BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
- BEST FILM ESSAY

​SPECIFIC TECHNICAL & INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTION MERITS

- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING
- BEST DIRECTORIAL DEBUT
- BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
- BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
- BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
- BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
- BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM EDITING & SOUND
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP & SPECIAL EFFECTS
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DOCUMENTARY DIRECTING
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DOCUMENTARY CINEMATOGRAPHY
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DOCUMENTARY EDITING & SOUND

​​ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES

​- BEST SERIES OR PILOT
- BEST DIGITAL MEDIA
- BEST ORIGINAL PODCAST
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM MARKETING
- BEST MUSIC VIDEO
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMERCIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY
- BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION DESIGN
- BEST SCREENPLAY FEATURE
- BEST SCREENPLAY SHORT
- BEST SERIES OR PILOT SCREENPLAY
- OUTSTANDING DRAMATIC SCREENPLAY
- BEST QUEER STORY SCREENPLAY
- OUTSTANDING COMEDIC OR MUSICAL SCREENPLAY
- OUTSTANDING SPECTACLE, ADRENALINE OR FANTASIA SCREENPLAY
- OUTSTANDING MACABRE OR SUSPENSE SCREENPLAY

R U L E S   &   R E G U L A T I O N S

BY SUBMITTING TO C L I M A X YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING...

1. Copyright: You assert that your work is cleared for festival exhibition globally and in perpetuity (this includes all music, fonts, visuals, etc.). The intellectual property is either yours, or if acting as a distributor, you've secured permission from the copyright owner.
2. Use of Stills / Clip Fragments: You consent to the festival utilizing stills and short clip fragments from your film on C L I M A X's website/platform, and social media channels, exclusively for promotional and educational purposes.
3. Film Downloading: You grant permission for the C L I M A X director to download your film to aid offline evaluation, festival programming, and curation efforts.
4. Virtual Cinema: By entering the competition, you allow your film's public exhibition under encryption and password-protection during the festival period.
5. IMDb Accreditation: While C L I M A X will update your awards/nominations on your IMDb pages, it won't generate new film pages if they're not already established.
6. Professional Conduct: All participants are expected to maintain a respectful and professional demeanor.
7. Feedback Policy: Personalized feedback for each submission won't be provided unless a review is opted for.
8. Refund Policy: No refunds will be issued regardless of the adjudication of your film.
9. Single Submission Benefits: A one-time fee guarantees your film is considered across all relevant festival award categories.
10. Multiple Submissions: Filmmaker teams can submit multiple projects within the same festival year.
11. Submission Restrictions: Films once submitted in a particular edition cannot be re-submitted in subsequent years.
12. Selection Criteria: Not every nominated or selected film will be immediately showcased in C L I M A X's digital cinema.
13. Waiver Policy: Student and disabled filmmakers qualify for discounted entry fees. Exceptional cases might be granted free waivers based solely on C L I M A X's discretion.
14. Film Review Eligibility: A film must have participated in the competition to opt for a review.
15. Official Selection Status: Submission doesn't automatically confer 'Official Selection' status.
16. Subscription: By entering C L I M A X, you will be added to our mailing list.
17. Credits Integrity: You affirm your credits list is comprehensive.
18. Right to Disqualify: C L I M A X retains the right to disqualify any film based on specific criteria.

LANGUAGE POLICY

Films can be submitted in English or Spanish without subtitles. Films in any other language must be accompanied by English or Spanish subtitles. Screenplays are only accepted in English or Spanish.

PRIVACY POLICY

1. Newsletter Consent: By submitting to our festival, you automatically consent to join our mailing list.
2. Opt-Out Rights: You can opt-out of receiving electronic communications at any point.
3. Personal Data: All personal information will be stored as per relevant data protection regulations.
4. Privacy Policy Amendments: C L I M A X reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at its discretion.
5. Contact Us: For any queries related to the Privacy Policy, please reach out to us.

By entering the C L I M A X Festival Internacional de Cinema Independiente, you've read, accepted, and agreed to abide by all the above rules, terms, and the privacy policy.