Between March 5th and 10th, 2026, Cartagena de Indias will no longer be just the walled city, but will become the giant screen of Latin America. The Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI), in its 65th edition, is not simply a cinematic event; it is the cultural heartbeat that each year revives the cobblestone streets with stories that cross borders. Founded in 1960, FICCI has established itself as the oldest film festival in Latin America, a space where the Colombian Caribbean opens its doors to the world's gaze, where the local and global meet in the seat of an open-air cinema or in the inner courtyard of a colonial convent.
Confirmed Dates, Main Venues, and How to Get Tickets
The festival will run from March 5th to 10th, 2026, with activities from early morning until late at night. The traditional venues, which have witnessed decades of cinema, will once again host screenings and meetings:
- Teatro Heredia: The heart of the festival, where opening and closing galas take place, as well as screenings for the official competition. Its red seats have seen legendary directors pass by. Address: Calle de la Factoría #36-57, Centro Histórico, Cartagena. Website: www.teatroheredia.gov.co
- Cartagena de Indias Convention Center: Space for special sections, retrospectives, and the film market, where producers and distributors forge alliances. Address: Avenida San Martín #4-39, Pie de la Popa, Cartagena. Website: www.cartagenaconventions.com
- Plaza de la Aduana: The most emblematic open-air cinema, where under the Caribbean stars, films are screened for all audiences, free of charge, creating an ephemeral community of viewers. Address: Plaza de la Aduana, Centro Histórico, Cartagena. Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/plazaAduanaFICCI
- Auditorio Getsemaní: In the bohemian neighborhood, venue for workshops and meetings with directors, where conversation flows after each screening. Address: Calle del Guerrero #29-45, Getsemaní, Cartagena. Website: www.auditoriogetsemani.com
Tickets will be available starting in February 2026 through the official FICCI website (www.ficcifestival.com) and at physical box offices at each venue. We recommend purchasing in advance, especially for screenings at Teatro Heredia and the most anticipated films. Passes for industry professionals are managed separately through the accreditation area on the website.
Featured Films: Official Competition, Special Sections
The official competition of FICCI 2026 promises a curated selection that reflects the diversity of Ibero-American cinema. Among the confirmed films are:
- "The River of Memory" (Colombia): Directed by Ciro Guerra, this film explores the Colombian Amazon through the eyes of an indigenous community fighting to preserve their territory. Expected to be the major national representation.
- "The Blue Days" (Argentina-Spain): By director Lucrecia Martel, a family drama navigating between Buenos Aires and Madrid, already generating expectation after its screening at Cannes.
- "Silence in Havana" (Cuba-Mexico): A co-production depicting nightlife in the Cuban capital during the 1990s, directed by Fernando Pérez.
Special sections will include "Cinema and Women", with films directed by Latin American women; "New Voices", dedicated to first works; and the retrospective "The Caribbean on Screen", which will review classics from the region. Additionally, there will be a children's cinema showcase on weekends at Plaza de la Aduana.
Parallel Events: Workshops, Meetings with Directors, Parties
FICCI is more than screenings; it is an immersive experience. The parallel events are the soul that keeps the city awake:
- Workshops for professionals: Taught by international experts, covering topics such as project financing, digital distribution, and transmedia narratives. Require prior registration.
- Meetings with directors: Intimate sessions at the Auditorio Getsemaní where filmmakers like Ciro Guerra and Lucrecia Martel will share behind-the-scenes insights. Perfect for students and enthusiasts.
- Parties and networking: Each night, bars and terraces in the Historic Center and Getsemaní become meeting points. The official opening party is usually at the Club de Pesca, with views of the bay. Address: Club de Pesca, Avenida San Martín #1-75, Cartagena. Website: www.clubdepesca.com
- Cinema exhibitions: In alliance with the Cartagena Museum of Modern Art, a photographic exhibition on the history of the festival will be mounted. Address: Museo de Arte Moderno, Calle de la Factoría #36-57, Cartagena. Website: www.mamcartagena.org
Practical Tips: Accommodation, Transportation, and Recommendations for Visitors
To fully enjoy FICCI 2026, consider these tips:
- Accommodation: Book months in advance. Hotels near the main venues such as the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa (two blocks from Teatro Heredia) or the Hotel Casa San Agustín offer comfort and privileged location. In Getsemaní, more economical options like boutique hostels allow you to experience the bohemian vibe.
- Transportation: Within the Historic Center, everything is walkable. For more distant venues, use authorized taxis or ride-sharing apps. Avoid driving; traffic and parking are complicated during the festival.
- Recommendations: Bring light clothing but have a sweater on hand for air-conditioned cinema rooms. Stay hydrated and try local cuisine at restaurants like La Cevichería or Carmen. Don't miss the open-air screenings at Plaza de la Aduana; arrive early to secure a good spot.
Frequently Asked Questions about FICCI 2026
- When do tickets go on sale? Tickets will be available from February 2026 on the festival's official website.
- Are there free events? Yes, screenings at Plaza de la Aduana are completely free and open to the public.
- How can I participate in the workshops? Workshops require prior registration through the festival website in the professional activities section.
- Is it necessary to know Spanish to enjoy the festival? Most films have English subtitles, and many events are bilingual.
- What to do if I can't find accommodation in the Historic Center? Consider options in Bocagrande or Manga, which are well connected to the main venues.
FICCI 2026 is not just a festival; it is confirmation that Cartagena breathes cinema. Each screening in a colonial venue, each conversation in a shaded courtyard, is a reminder that stories unite us. Follow the festival's social media (@FICCIoficial) to stay up to date with the programming and latest announcements. The city awaits you, ready to project dreams on its centuries-old walls.
