Alex Lora’s film, “The Great Work,” won the first prize at the Pilar de la Horadada International Film Festival, Cortopilar, which saw 1,500 submissions. The festival honored actor Carlos Santos with the Pillar of Honor, and he unveiled his star on the Torre de la Horadada promenade.
The closing gala, held at the packed municipal pavilion, was presented by festival director José Domingo Martínez and co-directed by Raúl Cerezo, with humor from presenters Diego Arjona and Lola Baldrich. Performances by the Ritmo Brillante Academy group and the CortoPilar Band added to the event’s elegance.
Carlos Santos, who received the Pilar de Honor from the mayor, José María Pérez Sánchez, surprised the audience with his musical performance, showcasing his skills as a guitarist, soloist, and composer.
“The Great Work” was awarded the best short film, with the award presented by provincial deputy Marina Sáez and accepted by the director of photography, Manel Aguado. Councillor for Culture Darío Quesada announced the Lucerna award for best short film in the annual section, which went to “The Neverending Story” by David Valero.
Other awards included:
Lucerna Award: “The Neverending Story” by David Valero, €600 + statuette.
Best International Short Film: “Nachgesichter” by Martin Winter and Stefan Langthaler, statuette.
Best Makeup and Hair: Mar Banda for “La ley del más fuerte,” €600 + statuette.
Best Original Music: Mikel Salas for “Cafuné,” €600 + statuette.
Best Photography Direction: Octavio Arias for “Ahora vuelvo,” €600 + statuette.
Best Cinematography: Octavio Arias for “Ahora Vuelvo,” €750 equipment rental voucher + statuette.
Best Artistic Direction: Ana Cervera for “Los cómplices,” €600 + statuette.
Best Screenplay: Lluís Quílez and Alfonso Amador for “La gran obra,” €750 + statuette.
Best Actress: Eva Llorach for “Ángulo muerto,” €600 + statuette.
Best Actor: Chani Martín for “Sold,” €600 + statuette.
Best Director: Raúl Monge for “La ley del más fuerte,” €750 + statuette.
Audience Award for Best Short Film: “Tumbas vecinos” by José Antonio Gutiérrez, €750 + statuette.
Audience Award Special Mention: “Yaya” by Sara Sálamo, statuette.
Best First Feature Film: “Buscando a Coque” by Teresa Bellón and César F. Calvillo, €750 + statuette.
Cortopilar was supported by the Valencia Institute of Culture, the Generalitat Valenciana, the Pilar de la Horadada City Council, and corporate sponsors.
