Each October, the Catalan town of Sitges transforms into an epicentre of the macabre, the magical and the marvellous. Welcome to the Sitges Film Festival — or, to give it its full name, the Sitges – Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya (often called the Sitges Catalonian International Film Festival). Since its founding in 1968, it has been a trailblazer: the first film festival devoted entirely to fantasy, horror and the fantastic. More than half a century later, it remains a benchmark for both fans and filmmakers.
From 9 to 19 October 2025, Sitges will once again become the global capital of fantastic cinema, welcoming premieres, stars, and industry talent for an eleven-day celebration of imagination.
A Cinematic Legacy
When the Sitges Film Festival was born in the late 1960s, few could have predicted how influential it would become. Over the decades, it has hosted icons including David Lynch, Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster and Quentin Tarantino, establishing itself as a vital platform for genre cinema.
Today, the festival continues to expand its reach, blending screenings with industry sessions, exhibitions and masterclasses through initiatives such as Sitges Industry and WomanInFan, which supports women filmmakers in fantasy and horror cinema.
Sitges Film Festival 2025
The 2025 Sitges Film Festival opens with Alpha, the latest film by Julia Ducournau (Titane, Raw), and closes with The Long Walk. A glittering guest list features some of contemporary cinema’s brightest talents — including Benedict Cumberbatch, who will attend in person to receive an honorary award. Other names confirmed include Guillermo del Toro, Yorgos Lanthimos, Park Chan-wook and Carmen Maura.
Festivalgoers can explore diverse sections such as:
Official Fantàstic – the core competition for international genre cinema
Midnight X-treme – for fearless fans of horror and the avant-garde
Anima’t – cutting-edge animation
Noves Visions – experimental and boundary-breaking works
Sitges Clàssics – tributes, retrospectives and cult favourites
Òrbita – action, thriller and adventure on the edge of the fantastic
Beyond the screenings, visitors can enjoy workshops, live performances and the legendary Zombie Walk on 11 October — when the undead once again take over Sitges’ seafront in a spectacular procession of costumes and special effects.
For the full 2025 programme, visit the official website: Sitges Film Festival 2025 Programme.
Beyond the Screen: Discover Sitges
Sitges isn’t just about cinema — it’s also one of Catalonia’s most charming coastal towns. With 18 beaches, atmospheric streets and a thriving cultural calendar, it’s the perfect destination for combining festival buzz with Mediterranean relaxation, extremely popular withy the LGBTQ+ community.
Among its beaches, Balmins Beach stands out — a relaxed, clothing-optional naturalist beach with both locals and visitors. Its laid-back atmosphere and clear waters make it an ideal escape after a long day of screenings.
If you love local traditions, Sitges’ year-round festivities are equally alluring. Just before the film festival, the Sitges Grape Harvest Festival (Festa de la Verema) takes place early October, celebrating the town’s winemaking heritage with grape pressing, cava tastings and folk music by the sea.
Earlier in the year, the flamboyant Sitges Carnival fills the streets with extravagant parades, dazzling costumes and joyous chaos — one of the Mediterranean’s most exuberant carnivals.
Things To Do in Sitges
For more travel inspiration and practical tips on what to see and do in the region, visit www.sitgesanytime.com, the official tourism portal.
Main image: Festival Internacional de Cinmema de Catalunya, courtesy of Sitges Anytime.
