With a program that includes more than 240 films from 60 countries, official competitions, retrospectives, tributes, and spaces dedicated to animation, comedy and audiovisual experimentation, the FICValdivia 2025 opened its doors at the Cervantes Regional Theater. For one week, Valdivia will be the epicenter of cinematographic creation and a space for dialogue on the role of cinema in Chile's identity and international projection.
The Minister of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, Carolina Arredondo Marzán, highlighted the relevance of the event both for its trajectory and its contribution to local and national development. "FICValdivia represents very well the power that culture has, not only has it given this city a unique identity, positioning it as a film capital in Chile, but it has also demonstrated the impact that cultural industries have on the economic and social development of a city, region and country."
Likewise, the Secretary of State emphasized that events such as FICValdivia reflect the value of collaborative work between the State and the territories, and how the arts allow Chile's identity and creativity to be projected to the world.
Valdivia and Los Ríos: culture with global projection
The opening ceremony was also attended by the Regional Governor (S) Marila Barrientos, who highlighted the importance of the festival in the international positioning of the territory.
"I think we also have the challenge of beginning to position the Film Festival in all the municipalities, that we feel proud to be from the Los Ríos region and that this festival effectively allows us to position Valdivia in the world, but also the Los Ríos region in terms of cultural development".
For his part, the Mayor of Valdivia, Cristóbal Rosas, highlighted the importance of investing in culture as a factor in integral development. "This is a clear signal: that investing in culture is investing in good living, it is betting on safer communities, more reflective and, ultimately, happier communities. Therefore, from the municipality of Valdivia we reaffirm that we will continue to move in that direction, strengthening culture, supporting our artists and defending the spaces that make us proud to be Valdivians."
The Festival Director, Raúl Camargo, emphasized FICValdivia 's commitment to cultural dialogue and critical thinking from a global perspective. "The Film Festival understands that it is a collaborator of the State, from a cultural logic that must be in tune with citizenship and with what is happening in the world," he said.
About FICValdivia
Throughout its three decades of history, FICValdivia has strengthened its role as a strategic space for the development of the audiovisual industry and the dissemination of the arts in Chile. Its program, which combines national and international premieres, retrospectives, tributes and professional meetings, contributes to project Chilean creation and position the country as a cultural reference in the region.
The 2025 version incorporates new sections dedicated to animation, comedy and audiovisual experimentation, as well as training and industry linkages that promote innovation and associativity.
Until October 19, Valdivia will host this meeting that promotes collaboration between territories, institutions and creators, strengthening the link between culture, identity and development.
Check out the complete article at FICValdivia.
