Pasto International Film Festival (FICPA) 2026: Schedule, History, and How to Attend

What is FICPA: History, importance, and the Sol de los Pastos award

If there is an event that puts Pasto on the cultural map of Colombia and Latin America, it is the Pasto International Film Festival (FICPA). In October 2026, this festival reaches its 22nd edition, and it is not just another number: it is consolidated as the oldest film festival in southwestern Colombia and the main stage for audiovisual circulation in the region.

FICPA was born with a clear mission: to bring independent, diverse, and socially conscious cinema to a city that has historically had little access to commercial movie theaters. Since its early editions, the festival has become a meeting point for emerging filmmakers, social communication students, Nariño-based creators, and general audiences looking for something beyond Hollywood releases.

The festival's main award is called Sol de los Pastos, a name that pays tribute to the ancient inhabitants of the region, the Quillacingas, and to the cultural identity of Pasto. This award has become a symbol of prestige for winners, who see FICPA as a showcase for their work and a boost for their careers.

For over two decades, the festival has maintained its competitive essence and international character, receiving works from all continents. But it has also managed to keep its focus on the local: Nariño and Colombian cinema holds a privileged space within the program, and that is something attendees deeply appreciate and value.

A curious fact that few know: FICPA does not only screen films. Throughout its history, it has promoted audiovisual training processes in rural communities of Nariño, bringing film workshops to municipalities such as Tumaco, Ipiales, and Barbacoas. This means the festival is not just an exhibition event, but an engine for creating new audiences and new filmmakers throughout the department.

Event details: Dates, venues, and FICPA 2026 schedule

Key dates for the 22nd edition

The 22nd edition of FICPA will take place between October 13 and 18, 2026 in Pasto. Six days of intense cinema, with daily screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and special events that turn the city into the audiovisual epicenter of southern Colombia.

For those interested in participating as filmmakers, the registration deadlines are already set:

• Open call: until May 24, 2026
• Standard deadline: July 1, 2026
• Late deadline: July 8, 2026
• Festival closing (registrations): July 8, 2026
• Notification of selected works: August 8, 2026

It is important to note that the festival accepts international works of up to 120 minutes in length (feature films) and short films under 45 minutes. Productions must have a completion date from 2024 onwards to be eligible in most categories.

Where is the cinema screened in Pasto?

The main FICPA venues are typically cultural and academic spaces in the city. Among the places that have historically hosted screenings are:

• Teatro Municipal de Pasto, in the heart of the city, an architectural gem dating back to the early 20th century that fills with film enthusiasts during the festival.
• Auditoriums at Universidad de Nariño, home to many of the panel discussions and academic showcases.
• Centro Cultural Banco de la República, a key space for more intimate screenings and documentaries.
• Alternative venues and community spaces in different neighborhoods of Pasto, bringing cinema to audiences that normally do not have access to traditional theaters.

The official schedule with exact venues for each screening is usually published a couple of weeks before the festival begins. It is recommended to stay tuned to FICPA's official social media channels (Facebook and Instagram as @ficpapasto) and the website www.ficpa.co for the final times.

Festival categories and sections

FICPA 2026 maintains its competitive structure with categories that reflect the thematic diversity of contemporary independent cinema. The official categories include:

• International short film: works under 45 minutes from any country in the world.
• International feature film: productions up to 120 minutes.
• Documentary cinema: with special emphasis on human rights and environmental themes.
• Children's and animation cinema: a section designed for the little ones and families.
• Regional Nariño cinema: an exclusive space for filmmakers from the department of Nariño.
• Human Rights and Peace: a category that has been a hallmark of the festival since its inception, given the historical context of Colombia.
• Environment and sustainability: a recent addition reflecting concerns about the Colombian Amazon and Pacific regions.

In addition to competitive screenings, the festival usually includes a Non-Competitive International Film Showcase, featuring standout films from other festivals around the world, and special cycles dedicated to guest countries or specific themes.

Special events and parallel activities

FICPA is not just about watching films. During the six days of the festival, Pasto is filled with activities that complement the cinematic experience:

• Panel discussions with invited directors and actors, where the audience can interact directly with the creators.
• Audiovisual training workshops, free or low-cost, aimed at local students and filmmakers.
• Business roundtables and pitching sessions for projects in development, connecting Nariño filmmakers with national and international production companies.
• Gala nights with a red carpet at the Teatro Municipal, where the Sol de los Pastos winners are awarded.
• Gastronomic and cultural showcases in partnership with local entrepreneurs, turning the festival into a true celebration of the city.

Prices and how to get tickets

One of the great advantages of FICPA is that it has maintained a policy of democratic access to cinema. Most screenings in alternative venues and community spaces are free, while screenings at the Teatro Municipal and the Centro Cultural Banco de la República usually have a symbolic cost.

Reference prices as of August 2026 are as follows:

• General screenings at Teatro Municipal: between $5,000 and $10,000 COP per screening.
• Screenings at Centro Cultural Banco de la República: free entry with tickets claimed on the same day of the screening.
• Screenings at universities and community spaces: free entry.
• General accreditation for the entire festival: approximately $50,000 COP, includes priority access to all screenings and main events.
• Professional accreditation (for filmmakers, producers, and press): subject to approval, with variable costs depending on the category. It is recommended to apply in advance through the official website.

To get tickets, there are several options:

• Physical ticketing is available at the Teatro Municipal box office during the festival days, usually starting two hours before each screening.
• Some screenings require prior registration through the forms published by the festival on its social media.
• Professional accreditations are managed directly on the festival website or at the press office during the event.

It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before screenings, especially gala screenings and those with international guests, as demand is usually high and theaters fill up quickly.

How to get to Pasto and get around during the festival

Pasto, the capital of the department of Nariño, is located in southwestern Colombia, in an Andean valley at 2,527 meters above sea level, near the border with Ecuador. Getting there is easier than many think:

By plane

The Antonio Nariño Airport (code PSO) receives daily flights from Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín. The airlines operating the route are Avianca, LATAM, and Clic Air. The airport is located in the municipality of Chachagüí, about 35 minutes by car from downtown Pasto. A taxi from the airport to the center costs approximately between $40,000

Tips for attendees

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