Bizkaia: A Land of Cinema

A total of 219 productions were filmed or recorded in 2025, 51 more than in the previous year

Perhaps in anticipation of the audiovisual hub planned for the island of Zorrozaurre, Bizkaia is buzzing with cinema. Its streets, cliffs and abandoned steelworks have become sought-after locations for fiction. The region is consolidating its position as a leading international film location.

Figures for 2025 confirm an all-time record year under the auspices of the Bilbao Bizkaia Film Commission. The audiovisual industry produced a total of 219 projects, 51 more than the previous year.

These included 23 feature films, 13 series and 42 short films, as well as documentaries and adverts. These shoots totalled 1,298 days of activity across 79 towns and cities.

You can see it all on screen. But it’s much better to walk through those locations yourself

MORE THAN HALF A DOZEN FESTIVALS

FANT

The audiovisual industry is growing. And so are film festivals. The next one will be a classic: FANT, with Batman as the star attraction this time. The Bilbao International Fantastic Film Festival – FANT reaches its 32nd edition from 8 to 16 May 2026, and the city centre will be transformed into a hub for the weird and wonderful.

The Campos Elíseos Theatre will once again take centre stage as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, where the glamour of the red carpets contrasts with the shadows of the big screen.

Zinegoak

Zinegoak, the leading film and performing arts festival, will hold its 23rd edition from 22 to 29 June 2026. The Golem Alhóndiga and BilbaoArte cinemas will host stories that challenge the establishment and celebrate diversity.

Zinemakumeak Gara!

Zinemakumeak Gara!, on the other hand, is dedicating October to the female perspective behind the camera at the Sala BBK and examining the role of women in the industry.

Festival de Cine Invisible

Festival de Cine Invisible is dedicated to the ‘invisible’ people and social justice. Its 18th edition will take place from 15 to 22 October 2026

Zinebi

The classic Zinebi documentary and short film festival, Bilbao’s longest-running festival and an unmissable event, will take place from 20 to 27 November 2026 at venues including the Arriaga Theatre and the Azkuna Zentroa Auditorium.

BBK Mendi Film Festival

At the BBK Mendi Film Festival, adventure and mountaineering take centre stage at the Euskalduna Palace during the first half of December. A visual feast for lovers of rock and ice.

Bilbao Surf Film Festival

Tthe Laboral Kutxa Bilbao Surf Film Festival fills the Itsasmuseum and the surrounding estuary with waves and nature, usually in February.

Caostica

Also worth noting are the events, galas and festivals organised by Caostica, usually at the Bilborock venue.

Zinexit

The Zinexit Film and Human Rights Festival was created with a clear purpose: to bring different realities closer together and encourage reflection on coexistence and fundamental rights through film.