When & Where: In Bilbao, every year at the end of November. The 2026 festival will be held from 20 to 27 November 2026.
Zinebi is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Spain and an important cultural event in the Basque Country. Officially known as the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Bilbao, the festival is held every year in November and specializes in documentary cinema, short films, and emerging audiovisual talent from around the world.
Founded in 1959, Zinebi has played a major role in promoting independent filmmaking and innovative cinema for more than six decades. It was originally created during a period when international film culture had limited visibility in Spain, and over time it became an important platform for artistic experimentation, social documentaries, and new filmmakers.
Today, the festival is internationally recognized by the Academy Awards, meaning that some award-winning short films shown at Zinebi may qualify for Oscar consideration. This international recognition has helped attract directors, producers, critics, and film professionals from many different countries.
The festival program usually includes fiction shorts, animation, documentary films, experimental cinema, retrospectives, and special screenings. Many of the works presented explore social issues, political topics, human rights, cultural identity, and contemporary artistic trends. Alongside the screenings, Zinebi also organizes conferences, workshops, masterclasses, and meetings between filmmakers and audiences.
Most screenings take place in some of Bilbao’s main cultural venues, including cinemas, theatres, and museums. The festival atmosphere combines professional cinema culture with a strong local audience, making it accessible both for film experts and casual visitors interested in discovering independent international cinema.
One of the most interesting aspects of Zinebi is its long-standing commitment to short films, a format often overlooked by larger commercial festivals. Over the decades, many internationally recognized filmmakers presented early works at the festival before becoming famous worldwide.
For visitors, Zinebi offers an excellent opportunity to experience Bilbao’s contemporary cultural scene beyond its museums and gastronomy. Since many screenings have limited capacity, advance ticket booking is recommended, particularly for opening events and award-winning films.
More info: https://zinebi.eus/en/
Updated on May 10, 2026
