La Muestra de Cortometrajes de La Cuna, also known as The La Cuna Short Film Festival, is an electrifying annual celebration of cinematic creativity held in the heart of Elche (Alicante), Spain. Hosted at the enchanting La Cuna Tetería, a venue known for its warm ambiance and bohemian charm, the festival transforms the cozy teahouse into a vibrant hub for filmmakers, storytellers, and cinema lovers from all walks of life. With its laid-back yet culturally rich atmosphere, La Cuna offers the perfect setting for discovering bold new voices and daring short films that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Open to all genres and styles, the festival welcomes any short film with a running time of up to 40 minutes. From experimental animation and gripping thrillers to heartfelt dramas and quirky comedies, the program is a kaleidoscope of human emotion and imagination. What sets La Cuna apart is not just its inclusivity, but its spirit of community—where filmmakers engage directly with audiences in an intimate space that encourages dialogue, reflection, and connection. Whether you're a seasoned cinephile or a casual viewer looking for a unique cultural experience, The La Cuna Short Film Festival promises an unforgettable journey through the art of the short film.

Awards & Prizes

In recognition of outstanding talent and storytelling, The La Cuna Short Film Festival proudly presents the Awards for Best Short Film across all categories. These accolades are more than just symbolic—they come with a meaningful cash prize, beautifully crafted plaques, and official diplomas to honor the creativity and hard work of each winner. Whether it's a gripping narrative, a visually stunning animation, or an innovative experimental piece, every film that resonates with the audience and jury has a chance to be celebrated.

These awards serve not only as recognition but also as a stepping stone for emerging filmmakers looking to gain visibility and momentum in the international film circuit. At La Cuna, every frame matters—and with these prizes, the festival reaffirms its commitment to nurturing and rewarding cinematic excellence in all its forms.

Rules & Terms

1. Short films: Short films of all nationalities and of any genre (fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, etc.) with a maximum duration of 40 minutes and with a production date from January 1, 2024 may participate. Films in a foreign language must be subtitled in English or Spanish.

2. Registrations will be made through the platform FilmFreeway. No works sent by other means will be accepted

3. Selection: A selection committee will be in charge of choosing the short films that will participate in the screenings. Those selected will be asked for a projection copy in .mp4 or .mov that can be sent through the registration platforms or through a digital download system.

4. Awards: The Awards for Best Short Film in all categories is established with an endowment of a cash price, plaques and supporting diplomas for all winners.

5. Exhibition rights: The selected short films will transfer the exhibition rights only on the date established for the screenings of the sample.

6. Date of the exhibition will be communicated as ay when due after the selection process. Kindly refer to our website for more details.

7. Acceptance of the bases: The registration of the works supposes the acceptance of these bases.