Between the Caribbean heat and the walls that have seen centuries pass, Cartagena de Indias prepares its brightest red carpet: the International Film Festival of Cartagena (FICCI) 2026. It's not just an event; it's a heartbeat that, since 1960, has marked the rhythm of Latin American cinema. Here, films aren't just projected, they breathe, mix with the salty breeze, and converse with colonial balconies. A festival that, more than competing, celebrates. Celebrates the stories that define us, the perspectives that challenge us, and the courage of those who film them.
Dates and Venues: Where and When Cinema Takes Over the City
FICCI 2026 will take place from March 19 to 26, 2026. Seven days in which Cartagena's cultural agenda is rewritten around celluloid. Tickets usually go on sale early in the year through the official festival website and physical locations in the city. Act fast, because screenings in historic venues sell out quickly!
Teatro Heredia: The Heart of the Festival
The heart of the festival beats at the Teatro Heredia, an architectural jewel from 1911 where the official competition unfolds its magic. This colonial gem is much more than a movie theater: it's a living witness to Cartagena's cultural history.
- Address: Calle de la Factoría #36-57, Centro Histórico, Cartagena
- Website: teatroheredia.org
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Capacity: Approximately 800 people
Julio César Turbay Ayala Convention Center
The Julio César Turbay Ayala Convention Center hosts massive screenings and industry meetings. This modern complex contrasts with colonial architecture, creating a fascinating dialogue between tradition and contemporaneity.
- Address: Avenida El Bosque, Cartagena
- Website: centrodeconvencionescartagena.com
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Capacity: Up to 3,000 people in its main auditorium
Plaza de la Aduana: Cinema Under the Stars
The Plaza de la Aduana transforms into an open-air cinema under the stars. Here, among palm trees and sea breeze, cinema acquires a magical dimension that only Cartagena can offer.
- Address: Plaza de la Aduana, Centro Histórico, Cartagena
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Screening times: Generally starting at 7:30 PM
- Admission: Free for most open-air screenings
Casa del Marqués de Valdehoyos
Galleries like the Casa del Marqués de Valdehoyos host experimental film exhibitions. This 18th-century colonial mansion offers an intimate space perfect for more avant-garde works.
- Address: Calle de la Factoría #36-10, Centro Histórico, Cartagena
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Hours: During the festival: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Featured Films: What You Can't Miss
The Official Feature Film Competition will bring together the best of Ibero-American cinema. Eagerly awaited is the premiere of the new film by Ciro Guerra, whose lens always captures Colombian complexities, and by Mexican director Lila Avilés, master of intimate portraits. The "World Cinema" section will bring gems from festivals like Cannes and Berlin, while "FICCI Memory" will pay homage to classics that defined eras.
Unmissable Sections of FICCI 2026
- "Made in Colombia": Spotlight space for Colombian cinema with risky bets from new directors
- Caribbean films: With their unique rhythm and color that often steal the applause
- Experimental cinema: In alternative venues like Casa del Marqués de Valdehoyos
- Documentaries: Real stories that capture the essence of Latin America
Parallel Events: Beyond the Screen
FICCI is a party that transcends the theaters. In the mornings, professional workshops (prior registration) cover everything from financing to transmedia narratives. In the afternoons, meetings with directors at the Café del Teatro are frank conversations where the audience can ask about that impossible shot or that scene that kept them awake at night.
Unique Festival Experiences
- Rooftop parties: At boutique hotels with views of the illuminated walls
- Closing concert: At Plaza de San Diego with live music and sequences from iconic films
- Casual encounters: Where the industry relaxes and travelers mix with filmmakers
- Surprise events: Follow social media so you don't miss special programming
Practical Tips: Living the Festival Like a Local
Accommodation: To be at the center of the action, book months in advance. Locals know that the key is planning ahead.
Recommended Accommodation Options
- Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa: Next to Teatro Heredia - charlestonhotels.com/santa-teresa
- Casa San Agustín: Colonial jewel - casasanagustin.com
- Getsemaní Neighborhood: Economical and authentic options just minutes away on foot
Transportation and Mobility
- Within the walled city: Walk, it's the best way to discover corners
- For distant venues: Safe and economical taxis (agree on price beforehand)
- Avoid cars: The historic center is a labyrinth of cobblestones
- Public transportation: Buses available for longer commutes
Local Tips to Enjoy to the Fullest
- Wear light clothing but include a jacket for theaters with strong air conditioning
- Stay constantly hydrated - Cartagena heat can be intense
- Take risks with documentaries in small theaters, that's where genuine magic happens
- Follow @ficcifestival on Instagram to stay updated with programming
- Try local food at street stalls near venues
Frequently Asked Questions about FICCI 2026
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets usually go on sale early in the year, generally in January 2026. It's recommended to keep an eye on the festival's official website and social media so as not to miss the launch.
Are there free events?
Yes, many open-air screenings at Plaza de la Aduana and other public spaces are free. Also some workshops and meetings may have free access, though with limited capacity.
Is it necessary to know Spanish to enjoy the festival?
Not necessarily. Many films have English subtitles, and there are international sections. Moreover, the festive atmosphere and cultural experience transcend language barriers.
What should I bring to the festival?
We recommend: comfortable clothing, sunscreen, water, a light jacket for theaters, and of course, lots of curiosity and desire to discover extraordinary cinema.
How can I participate as a volunteer?
FICCI usually opens calls for volunteers a few months before the festival. Check the "Participate" section on their official website for more information.
FICCI 2026 is not just a date on the calendar. It's proof that Cartagena, more than a destination, is a permanent film set where reality and fiction merge on every corner. Come. The seat awaits you, and the film, this time, is you.
