Seminci honors the legacy of film programmer José Luis Cienfuegos

Colleagues, filmmakers, and distributors gathered at the Seminci film festival to honor the memory of José Luis Cienfuegos, nearly one year after his unexpected passing last December.

Participants described Cienfuegos as a master of the modern festival format, noting his ability to blend mainstream industry works with alternative cinema. His approach transformed festivals into broader cultural events that integrated music and city-wide engagement. The tribute included individuals who worked alongside him at the Gijón, Seville, and Valladolid festivals, as well as current Seminci directors Mariona Viader and Javier H. Estrada, who continue his vision of demanding and adventurous programming.