Caliwood Upside Down: The Film Festival That Challenges Cartagena

Tired of the same old red carpet?

If you are reading this, you probably already know that FICCI in Cartagena is the big party of Colombian cinema. Evening gowns, celebrities, cocktails in el Centro Histórico. All very nice, all very Instagrammable. But if you are one of those who seek cinema that unsettles, that is screened in a warehouse smelling of coffee and sweat, or that ends with a debate at 2am in a bar on Calle 9, then the one you are interested in is another: Caliwood. And no, it is not the city's official festival (that is FICCI, which sometimes also passes through Cali). Caliwood is its counterpart, its punk cousin, the one born to challenge the idea that Colombian cinema is only celebrated with a wine glass in hand.

For a few years now, this event has become a must-attend for independent filmmakers, urban millennials, and anyone who believes the seventh art should not smell of mothballs. In May 2026, this year's edition promises to be the most irreverent. Here I tell you why Caliwood is winning the game against the Cartagena paraphernalia, and why you should set aside your prejudices and dive into its unusual screenings.

Comparison table: Caliwood vs. FICCI (the mainstream version)

Before getting into details, a quick look at the key differences. This is not to say one is better than the other (each has its audience), but so you know what you are aiming for if your budget is limited and your patience for political speeches is also limited.

• Location: FICCI is concentrated in the Historic Center of Cartagena (hotels, theaters). Caliwood takes over abandoned factories, rooftops of buildings in downtown Cali, and bars in the barrio San Antonio.
• Dress code: At FICCI, many go in formal wear. At Caliwood, if you wear a jacket and tie, people will look at you strangely. Here, a rock band t-shirt and dirty sneakers are prized.
• Programming: FICCI has industry sections, markets, and commercial premieres. Caliwood focuses on experimental cinema, auteur documentaries, and short films that did not pass the filter of the big platforms.
• Prices: FICCI can cost you a ticket of $80,000 COP per screening (if you don't have accreditation). Caliwood manages popular prices (many screenings are free or with a $10,000 COP voucher).
• After party: In Cartagena, the after party is in an exclusive club in Getsemaní. At Caliwood, the after party is at La Topa Tolondra, a bar on Calle 9 where aguardiente flows and salsa plays until the body gives out.

Analysis by option: The Caliwood experience

Screenings in unusual places: from factory to cinema

The first thing that strikes you when you arrive at a Caliwood screening is the place. Forget velvet seats and Dolby Atmos sound. Here, films are screened at the old Licorera del Valle factory, an industrial space with steel beams and exposed brick walls that still smells of fermented sugarcane. Or on the rooftop of the Coltabaco building, in the heart of downtown, with a view of the Cali Tower and the Cerro de las Tres Cruces in the background. The sound is basic, sometimes the wind carries away the dialogue, but the atmosphere is unmatched. There are no Netflix bumpers or Coca-Cola ads. Just the noise of the city in the background.

Last year, for example, they screened La otra forma by Diego Felipe Guerrero in an abandoned warehouse in the barrio Obrero. People arrived with plastic chairs, and at the end there was a debate with the director that lasted over an hour. That doesn't happen in Cartagena, where Q&As are usually 10 minutes long with pre-fabricated questions.

Directors who chose Cali for controversial premieres

There are films that dare not premiere at FICCI because they know the audience in Cartagena is more conservative or because specialized critics will tear them apart. Caliwood has become the refuge for those directors who want to show their work without filters. In the 2024 edition, the documentary El pueblo de los olvidados (about the displaced people of the Pacific) had its world premiere at Caliwood, after being rejected by several international festivals for being "too raw." The screening was on the rooftop of the Museo de la Tertulia, and at the end several attendees ended up crying. There was no red carpet, but there were tissues.

This 2026, it is rumored that a director from Cali, María José Rojas, will premiere her short film Los niños de la 14, an uncompromising look at life in the city's most dangerous neighborhood. If it premiered in Cartagena, they would probably put it in a small room at 9am. At Caliwood, it will be a central screening on a Friday at 8pm, with an after party included.

Workshops with a requirement: Hollywood forbidden

One of the things that most differentiates Caliwood from other festivals is its workshops. You won't find a course on "How to sell your script to Netflix" or "Lighting techniques for commercials." Here, workshops have names like "Guerrilla filmmaking: how to film with $50,000 COP" or "Experimental editing: error as a narrative resource." The entry requirement is explicit: you are not allowed to talk about Marvel, Star Wars, or any Hollywood blockbuster. If you mention Tarantino, you'll get dirty looks. The idea is to unlearn what they taught you at university and go back to basics: a camera, a story, and a group of friends willing to do anything.

Last year, in one of these workshops, a group of students from the Universidad del Valle filmed a short in 24 hours using only a cell phone and a flashlight. The film was called Última parada and ended up being selected for a festival in Argentina. That is Caliwood: a hotbed of talent that doesn't need big budgets.

The cinematic after party at La Topa Tolondra

No self-respecting film festival is complete without its after party. And Caliwood's is legendary. It takes place at La Topa Tolondra, a bar on Calle 9 that looks like it's straight out of a 70s movie: neon lights, formica tables, a jukebox that only plays salsa, and a smell of beer that sticks to your clothes. There, directors, actors, students, and curious people mix. There is no VIP, no guest list. If you arrive early, you grab a table. If you arrive late, you have to stand at the bar and listen to the gossip of Colombian cinema.

The Caliwood after party doesn't end at 2am. It ends when the bar owner says "no more." I've seen cinematographers dancing salsa with film critics, and screenwriters arguing about the ending of a movie while drinking aguardiente. It's the best networking you can do, without needing business cards.

Final verdict: Who is Caliwood for?

While other festivals seek red carpets, here they award films you will never see on Netflix. If you are one of those who think cinema is more than entertainment, that it is a tool to unsettle, to question, to show what no one wants to see, then Caliwood is your festival. It is not for those looking for selfies with famous actors or for those who want to attend cocktail parties sponsored by liquor brands. It is for those who believe a film can change the way you see the city, even if that film is screened in an abandoned factory and the sound is bad because of the noise from the cars.

Cartagena has its glamour, but Cali has its truth. And in May 2026, that truth will be projected in every corner of the city. If you are an independent filmmaker, if you are fed up with politically correct speeches, if you want to see cinema made with grit and heart, then you know where you need to be. You don't need a tuxedo. Just a jacket (in case it gets cold on the rooftop) and a willingness to debate until dawn.

CTA: While other festivals seek red carpets, here they award films you will never see on Netflix. Check the dates for the next edition on Caliwood's social media. But go early: screenings in unusual places fill up fast. And if you see a guy with a 16mm camera in his hand, don't hesitate to ask him what he's filming. It will probably be the next film that blows your mind.

Introduction to the topic

The Cali International Film Festival (FICC) has been gaining a relevant space in the Colombian film landscape, proposing a fresh and vibrant alternative to the classic FICCI in Cartagena. This event stands out not only for its diverse programming but also for its focus on including new voices and narratives from national and international cinema.

Here, in the capital of the Valle del Cauca, cinema is more than just screenings; it is a celebration of local culture, music, and gastronomy, making it an event that goes beyond the red carpet. In this context, the FICC strives to offer a space where emerging filmmakers can share their works and where the public can enjoy a comprehensive cinematic experience.

In addition to screenings, the festival includes workshops, conferences, and networking spaces that allow attendees to interact with industry professionals. If you plan to attend, it is advisable to schedule your days to make the most of all the activities offered.

In summary, the Cali International Film Festival is an exciting alternative that challenges the conventions of cinema in Colombia, positioning itself as an event that not only celebrates the seventh art but also the cultural richness of Cali.

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Analysis by option (pros and cons)

FICCI in Cartagena is undoubtedly an iconic event, but Cali is also making its way into the film scene with its festival, which has a more alternative and local focus. Here is an analysis of pros and cons that will help you decide between attending FICCI or exploring what Cali has to offer in the cinematic realm.

Pros of Caliwood

• Local focus: Unlike FICCI, the Cali festival focuses on regional film production, allowing you to discover emerging voices and productions that reflect the culture of Cali.
• More relaxed atmosphere: The atmosphere at Caliwood is less formal and more accessible, making authentic interactions with filmmakers and actors easier.
• Free events: Many of the events and screenings are free or at very affordable prices, allowing more people to participate and enjoy cinema.

Cons of Caliwood

• Less glamour: Unlike FICCI, you won't find the same number of celebrities and red carpets, which can be a downside if you are looking for a more gala-like atmosphere.
• Less international variety: Although there is a good selection of films, the diversity of international films may be more limited compared to the Cartagena festival.

Both festivals offer unique experiences that represent different facets of Colombian cinema. If you are looking for a more intimate and authentic event, Caliwood could be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you are interested in glamour and variety, FICCI in Cartagena remains the king of cinema in Colombia.

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## Tickets, Pricing, and Where to Buy Tickets for the **Caliwood Upside Down** festival are now available. Prices are: - **General pass (access to all screenings and events):** $120,000 COP - **Single-day ticket:** $40,000 COP - **Students and seniors:** 50% discount with ID Official sales points: - Online: www.caliwood.com.co (events section) - Caliwood Museum box office (Avenida Belalcázar, Urbanización Arboleda) - Authorized points: La Tertulia, Cine Tonalá, and Lerner bookstores ## Official Schedule and Stage Timetables The festival will take place from **November 15 to 18** at various venues: - **Caliwood Museum:** Alternative film screenings and workshops. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. - **Plazoleta Jairo Varela:** Open-air screenings and concerts. Hours: 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. - **Cine Tonalá:** International showcases and talks with directors. Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Check the full schedule on the official website. ## Getting There and Local Safety Tips **Getting there:** - **Caliwood Museum:** Located at Avenida Belalcázar with Calle 5, Arboleda neighborhood. You can arrive via MIO (Belalcázar station) or taxi. - **Plazoleta Jairo Varela:** Downtown Cali, accessible via MIO (Centro station) or city buses. - **Cine Tonalá:** San Antonio neighborhood, near MIO San Antonio station. **Safety tips:** - Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables. - Use public transport or authorized taxis. - Stay in crowded, well-lit areas. - Follow festival staff instructions.