In the heart of Pamplona, Spain, the Navarra International Film Festival (NIFF) returns for its 7th edition from September 8 to 12, 2025. This vibrant festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences to celebrate short films while sparking meaningful conversations about social issues. Set in the culturally rich region of Navarra, NIFF 2025 promises a five-day experience filled with creativity, inclusion, and community spirit.
A Festival with a Purpose
Since its start in 2019, NIFF has been more than just a film festival. It’s a space where diverse creators, including those in music, dance, and theater, come together to promote inclusion and inspire change through cinema. The festival focuses on themes like the environment, feminism, diversity, migration, disability, and the lives of the elderly, making it a platform for stories that matter. In 2025, NIFF continues its mission to encourage social growth, challenge apathy, and place people at the heart of its storytelling.
The Setting: Pamplona’s Cultural Hub
NIFF 2025 will take place at Civivox Iturrama in Pamplona, a welcoming venue that suits the festival’s community-focused vibe. Unlike massive festival arenas, Civivox offers an intimate setting where attendees can connect with filmmakers and each other. Screenings begin each afternoon at 5:00 PM, allowing visitors to explore Pamplona’s charming streets, cafes, and landmarks during the day. The city’s mix of historic beauty and modern energy makes it a perfect backdrop for a festival celebrating art and ideas.
A Diverse Lineup of Short Films
The heart of NIFF lies in its short films, all under 40 minutes, showcasing a range of genres like fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental works. Films must be produced after January 1, 2024, and can come from anywhere in the world, as long as they haven’t been shown at previous NIFF editions. The festival is split into four sections: National Official Section, International Official Section, New Generation Section (for young filmmakers aged 18-30), and CortoJoven Section (for short films up to 3.5 minutes by young creators). This variety ensures fresh voices and bold stories take center stage.
In 2024, the 6th edition featured powerful films that tackled social issues, with winners celebrated for their storytelling and impact. The 2025 lineup is expected to continue this tradition, with submissions open from February 1 to May 15, 2025, via platforms like Festhome and FilmFreeway. Filmmakers can submit for a small fee, starting at €5 for early entries, making it accessible for creators worldwide.
Awards that Celebrate Excellence
NIFF 2025 offers a range of awards to honor outstanding work, with a total prize pool of €4,600. The NIFF Gold Award for Best Short Film comes with €2,000 and a chance to qualify for Spain’s prestigious Goya Awards. Other categories include Best Fiction, Documentary, and Animation Short Films in the National Section, as well as Best International, Ibero-American, and European Short Films. Special awards, like the NIFF Social Values Award and the NIFF Communication Award, highlight films and individuals who inspire change. In 2024, the film Sorda won the Social Values Award, and journalist Elena Sánchez received the Communication Award, showing the festival’s commitment to meaningful storytelling.
All winners receive a Melitón statuette, a symbol of NIFF’s recognition of creativity and impact. The awards are announced at a closing gala on September 12, 2025, at Civivox Iturrama, a free event open to all attendees.
A Platform for New Talent
One of NIFF’s standout features is its focus on young filmmakers. The New Generation Section encourages creators aged 18-30 to share their visions, while the CortoJoven Section invites even younger talents to submit short films up to 3.5 minutes long. These sections reflect NIFF’s belief that the future of cinema lies in fresh perspectives. Workshops, discussions, and networking events at the NIFF Industry Hall also give emerging filmmakers a chance to learn and connect with professionals. In 2024, these sessions were a highlight, offering practical advice and inspiration for young creators.
More Than Just Films
NIFF is about more than watching movies, it’s about building connections. The festival hosts morning workshops, panel discussions, and networking events at the NIFF Industry Hall, where filmmakers can meet industry leaders and share ideas. The 2025 edition will also feature the REX Awards on September 8, honoring Navarra’s audiovisual industry in collaboration with Diario de Navarra. These events create a space where creativity and collaboration thrive.
Outside the screenings, visitors can enjoy Pamplona’s vibrant culture. From exploring the historic Plaza de la Constitución to sampling local cuisine at nearby markets, the city offers plenty to discover. The festival’s connection to Navarra’s growing film industry, supported by tax incentives and Melitón Studios in the Baztán Valley, adds an extra layer of excitement for attendees interested in filmmaking.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for NIFF 2025 are affordable and accessible, with options for single-day or full-festival passes. Early booking is recommended, as the intimate venue fills up quickly. Pamplona is easy to reach by car, train, or bus, and the city offers a range of accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to modern hotels. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like the Urederra River or the Lumbier and Arbaiun Gorges for a dose of Navarra’s natural beauty.
The festival’s website, www.navarrafestival.com, provides updates on schedules, tickets, and submission details. Follow NIFF on Instagram (@navarrafilmfestival) for the latest news on films, events, and special guests.
Why NIFF Stands Out
In a world of flashy film festivals, NIFF feels refreshingly real. It’s not about glitz or glamour, it’s about stories that challenge, inspire, and connect. The festival’s focus on social issues, from feminism to environmental concerns, makes it a unique platform for films that spark conversation. Its intimate setting and community-driven spirit create a welcoming space where everyone, from filmmakers to audience members, feels valued.
The 2024 edition showed NIFF’s growing influence, with packed screenings and lively discussions. The 2025 festival promises to build on this success, offering a mix of powerful films, meaningful events, and a chance to experience Navarra’s warmth and creativity.
A Lasting Impact
NIFF 2025 is more than a film festival, it’s a celebration of stories that matter. Whether you’re a filmmaker sharing your work, a cinephile discovering new voices, or a visitor soaking in Pamplona’s charm, NIFF offers a chance to connect with others and reflect on the world through cinema. With its focus on inclusion, social good, and emerging talent, the 7th edition is set to leave a lasting impression.
Join the Navarra International Film Festival from September 8 to 12, 2025, and be part of a cinematic experience that celebrates creativity, community, and change.
Follow Navarra International Film Festival online for updates on tickets, film announcements, event info, and travel tips:
Instagram: @navarrafilmfestival
Zond