Colombia is ready for the Cartagena International Film Festival, which will take place from April 14 to 19. In 2026, the event celebrates its 65th edition and will bring together filmmakers, actors, producers, and cinema lovers for one of the country’s most important cultural gatherings.
With more than 180 films scheduled and 26 world premieres, the festival reaffirms its position as one of the most important showcases for Latin American cinema.
Founded in 1960 by journalist and cultural promoter Victor Nieto, the Cartagena International Film Festival has become the oldest film festival in Latin America. Over more than six decades, it has screened thousands of productions and established itself as a key platform for the development of the region’s audiovisual industry.
Cartagena International Film Festival program
The 2026 edition will feature a robust program that includes more than 180 titles from different parts of the world. Among them are 26 world premieres that will be presented to audiences for the first time in Cartagena, making the festival a privileged space for discovering new cinematic proposals.
The films will be distributed across several sections designed to showcase the diversity of languages and narratives in contemporary cinema. These include the Official Fiction Competition, the Documentary Competition, and the Short Film Competition, as well as special retrospectives dedicated to works and filmmakers who have shaped the history of cinema.
One of the most anticipated moments of the festival will be the tributes to two outstanding figures in the audiovisual industry: actor and producer Salvo Basile and renowned Colombian actress Consuelo Luzardo, who will be honored for their careers and contributions to film and television.
Iconic venues and activities for everyone
Festival activities will take place in different venues across the city, including the historic Teatro Adolfo Mejía, the Cartagena Convention Center, as well as public squares and cultural spaces located within the walled city. This distribution allows both visitors and local residents to enjoy the program in different areas of the tourist destination.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature a parallel agenda aimed at strengthening the dialogue between audiences and the film industry. Among these initiatives is the program “Cinema in the Neighborhoods,” which brings free screenings to communities in Cartagena with the goal of introducing cinema to new audiences and promoting cultural access.
Training opportunities will also be offered, including screenwriting laboratories and specialized workshops for emerging filmmakers. One of them is the program “Deconstructing the Character,” focused on the narrative and creative development of audiovisual projects.
A boost for Colombia’s audiovisual industry
The festival is not only a celebration of cinema but also a key meeting point for producers, distributors, and content creators. During the week of the event, panels, professional meetings, and networking activities will take place to strengthen the audiovisual industry in Colombia and across Latin America.
At the same time, the city will also host the traditional India Catalina Awards, which recognize the best in Colombian television and audiovisual productions.