Featured Event
29th Málaga Film Festival 2026: Spanish Cinema's Red Carpet Moment
📅
When
Fri 6 Mar - Sun 15 Mar
📍
Where
Teatro Cervantes & Cine Albéniz
💶
Price
Varies
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The Málaga Film Festival is Spain's premier celebration of Spanish-language cinema.
For ten days each March, the city trades beach towels for red carpets as industry stars, directors, and film buffs gather at the historic Teatro Cervantes.
This is Spain's answer to Sundance, but with Mediterranean sunshine and jasmine-scented streets.
Málaga Film Festival 2026: Quick Facts
This guide covers everything you need to experience the Málaga Film Festival 2026: the complete schedule, ticket prices, key venues, and where to spot celebrities on the red carpet.
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How to Get Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 edition typically go on sale in late February.
- Online: Via the official website or Uniticket
- In Person: Box offices at Teatro Cervantes, Teatro Echegaray, and Cine Albéniz
- Pricing: Standard screenings are usually €6. Opening and Closing galas are significantly higher (€20+) and sell out within minutes
Local tip
The free outdoor screenings in Plaza de la Merced are a local favourite. Bring a blanket and arrive early (around 7:00pm) to get a good spot before they fill up.
Málaga Film Festival 2026: Complete Schedule
The festival spans ten days, bookended by glamorous galas and filled with premieres across the city's historic theaters.
Pre-Festival: MaF (Málaga de Festival)
Before the red carpet is rolled out, the MaF transforms Málaga into a giant art gallery. Expect over 125 activities including open-air concerts, film-inspired street art, and small-scale screenings in hidden plazas.
- Dates: February 12 – March 5
- Locations: 50+ venues citywide
- Highlights: Film-themed cultural events across the city
Opening Weekend & Premiere Week
- Friday, March 6: Opening Gala & Red Carpet at Teatro Cervantes
- Daily (March 7–13): Official Selection Screenings at Teatro Cervantes / Cine Albéniz
- Daily (March 7–13): Zonazine & Short Films at Teatro Echegaray
- Saturday, March 14: Closing Awards Gala at Teatro Cervantes
- Sunday, March 15: Winners' Screenings at Cine Albéniz
Local tip
The red carpet outside Teatro Cervantes is active every afternoon around 6:00pm–8:00pm. If you want to see the actors, you don't need a ticket; just find a spot along the barriers on Calle Ramos Marín.
🏨 Where the Stars Sleep: Festival Hotels
Want to maximize your celebrity encounters? Choose strategically. Here's where the industry stays during the festival:
| Hotel | Category | Why it's the Best |
|---|---|---|
| AC Hotel Málaga Palacio | 🌟 The A-List Hub | This is the "official" festival hotel where almost all world-renowned stars stay. If you want to see actors in the lobby or at the rooftop bar, this is the only choice. |
| Only YOU Hotel Málaga | ✨ Ultra-Modern Luxury | Located at the start of Calle Larios. It's the trendiest 5-star in the city with a rooftop pool that overlooks the harbor—perfect for pre-gala drinks. |
| Palacio Solecio | 🏛️ Boutique & Heritage | A restored 18th-century palace in the Jewish Quarter. It is steps away from Teatro Cervantes, making it the most elegant base for those attending late-night premieres. |
| Vincci Larios Diez | 🛍️ Front Row Seat | Literally on Calle Larios. From your balcony, you can watch the midday celebrity interviews and the crowds below without leaving your room. |
| H10 Croma Málaga | 🎨 Soho Cool | Located in the artsy Soho district. It's slightly quieter than the historic center but only a 5-minute walk to the red carpet. Great for a more "indie" festival vibe. |
| Gran Hotel Miramar | 🌊 Beachside Glamour | For those who want old-world Hollywood vibes. It's a bit further from the theaters (15-min walk), but it's where the most legendary honorary guests often retreat for privacy. |
Key Venues & Locations
Teatro Cervantes
The "Main Stage." This is where the heavy hitters premiere. If you want the full "festival experience" with the director and cast present for a Q&A, this is where you need to be.
Cine Albéniz
Located right next to the Roman Theatre, this is the heart for true film buffs. It hosts the América, América section (new for 2026) and the International Mosaic. It's also where you'll find the best documentaries.
Teatro Echegaray
Small, intimate, and beautiful. It serves as the home for Zonazine, the festival's most experimental and daring section. Perfect for those who prefer indie gems over blockbusters.
What to Wear: Festival Style
- Daytime Screenings: Casual. You'll be sitting in old theaters; comfort is key
- Evening Premieres: "Smart-casual" is the local standard
- The Red Carpet: If you have a ticket to a 9:00pm premiere at the Cervantes, people do dress up. Think cocktail attire rather than black tie
Practical Tips for Film Fans
- VOSE is King: Most international and some Spanish films are shown in VOSE (Original Version with Spanish Subtitles). Check the program icons carefully!
- The Biznaga: The trophies are shaped like a Biznaga (Málaga's signature jasmine "flower"). Look for the giant Biznaga statues around the city for the perfect photo op
- Stay Central: Book your stay in the Centro Histórico or Soho. Everything is walkable, and you'll want to be close when screenings end at midnight
2026 Highlights
This year's Málaga – SUR Award goes to actress Rossy de Palma, one of Pedro Almodóvar's most iconic collaborators. Expect her to draw crowds.
The main prize is the coveted Golden Biznaga (Biznaga de Oro), awarded to the best Spanish and best Ibero-American films.
🎥 Red Carpet Checklist: 2026 Star Spotting
Goal: See Rossy de Palma, Blanca Portillo, and Mario Casas without the fluff.
| Location | Peak Time | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Teatro Cervantes | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Stand at Calle Ramos Marín barriers. This is the main arrival zone. |
| Calle Larios | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Walk the red carpet stretch. Stars do TV interviews here midday. |
| AC Hotel Palacio | Midnight – 1:30 AM | Wait at the Calle Cortina del Muelle entrance. This is the "sleeping" hotel for A-listers. |
| El Pimpi Terrace | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Grab a spot overlooking the Roman Theatre. It's the primary celebrity lunch hub. |
🚨 Essential 2026 Dates
- March 6: Opening Night (Max celebrity density)
- March 8: Expected Rossy de Palma & Blanca Portillo Tribute
- March 14: Awards Gala (The "Winner's" carpet)
✋ Handprint Ceremony
Location: Paseo Marítimo Antonio Banderas
Time: Usually 12:00 PM on the day of the actor's tribute
Vibe: Best chance for close-up photos outside of the frantic city center
Interactive Map
View the full Málaga Film Festival 2026 map on Google MapsMore Málaga Festivals & Events
Planning your Málaga calendar? Check out these other major events:
Essential Málaga Travel Guides
Make the most of your film festival trip with these local guides:
- Where to Stay in Málaga - Neighborhood guide and hotel recommendations
- Rooftop Bars Málaga - Best spots for sunset drinks and city views
- Restaurants with a View in Málaga - Scenic dining options
- Things to Do in Málaga - Complete guide to attractions and activities
- Unusual Things to Do in Málaga - Hidden gems and local secrets
Day Trips from Málaga
While in Málaga, consider these popular day trips. Book in advance as they tend to sell out:
Caminito del Rey Guided Hike
from Málaga
Walk the famous pathway with vertigo-inducing views over the Guadalhorce gorge.
Tapas & Wine Walking Tour
from Málaga
Evening tour through Málaga's old town, stopping at hidden gems for tapas and wine.
Nerja Caves, Nerja & Frigiliana
from Málaga
Visit Spain's most spectacular cave system plus two of the coast's prettiest towns.