The evolution of the Sax Film Festival: from an international outlook to backing local talent

The Sax International Film Festival has established itself as one of the strongest around, proving that cinema can be projected to the rest of the world from inland Alicante.

Today, with its director Miguel Herrero, we look at how this festival has grown and, after years on the circuit, become a key part of Alicante’s film scene.

Unlike other festivals that start locally and grow from there, the Sax Festival was born with a clear ambition: to be international. Miguel Herrero stresses that this approach has been there since the very first edition, giving local audiences access to stories and styles from all over the world.

However, staying true to its essence does not mean standing still. The festival has added «layers of value» that have transformed it profoundly:

1. The leap to feature films

What began as a festival devoted exclusively to short films took the logical step of adding features. This change not only made the festival longer, it also attracted distributors and producers with bigger projects, raising the event’s technical and artistic prestige.

2. A networking hub for independent film

Sax is no longer just a place where films are screened; it is a place where films are made. The festival has expanded its Q&As with audiences and, above all, its networking spaces for filmmakers. For independent creators, it is the place to share experiences, find collaborators for future projects and get direct feedback from audiences in a professional yet friendly setting.

3. A commitment to Alicante: the home award

Despite its global outlook, the festival has never turned its back on its roots. For years it has had a specific award for the Best Short Film from Alicante. At Alicante Light Film we really value this gesture, as it gives our province’s talent a vital platform for recognition and visibility in front of international juries and filmmakers.

A well-connected film ecosystem

Festivals like Sax are the backbone of our industry. They build community, professionalise the sector and educate audiences. The festival’s evolution reflects what we want for the whole province: growth that combines international excellence with pride in what is local.