Barcelona is set to once again host the Brain Film Fest, a unique European event at the crossroads of cinema, science, and the intricate workings of the human mind. The Pasqual Maragall Foundation promotes the festival, co-organising it with production company Minimal Films. Since its 2018 inception, the festival has carved out a distinct niche by using film to explore neuroscience and raise awareness about brain health.

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The official listing on the Barcelona Tourism Agenda states the festival’s core mission: to present the brain’s reality approachably. This platform supports both audiovisual creation and scientific dissemination, contributing to public knowledge about the brain and the latest neurological advancements. Furthermore, the event forms a key part of the global Brain Awareness Week campaign, underscoring its commitment to scientific outreach.

A Mission Born from Experience

The Pasqual Maragall Foundation, with deep roots in Barcelona, drives the festival. Pasqual Maragall, former mayor of Barcelona and president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, established it after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The foundation is dedicated to defeating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases through scientific research, making the film festival a powerful extension of its public awareness mission.

The festival finds its primary home at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life in the El Raval neighbourhood. Key local institutions, including the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Ajuntament de Barcelona, support its programming. This highlights its significance within Barcelona’s vibrant cultural calendar.

Festival Structure and Programming

The Brain Film Fest offers a diverse programme designed to engage a wide audience. The event typically features three main sections:

  • Official Competitive Section: This section showcases a curated selection of short films from around the world that creatively explore themes related to the brain.
  • Out-of-Competition Screenings: Featuring feature-length films and documentaries, these screenings provide deeper dives into specific neurological topics, often followed by discussions with filmmakers and scientific experts.
  • School Sessions: A dedicated programme for educational institutions, aiming to spark curiosity about neuroscience among younger audiences.

For those unable to attend in person, the festival has also partnered with the Spanish streaming platform Filmin to make a selection of its short films available online, broadening its reach across the country.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Edition

The ninth edition of the Brain Film Fest will take place from 11 to 15 March 2026. Its central theme, “Inhabiting the mind,” promises an introspective journey into consciousness, memory, and identity.

In a significant announcement, the festival confirmed that acclaimed Catalan filmmaker Carla Simón, known for her award-winning films Summer 1993 and Alcarràs, will receive the Special Award Brain Film Fest 2026 at the opening ceremony. This honour recognises her contribution to cinema and her ability to sensitively portray complex human emotions and relationships, which are intrinsically linked to the brain’s functions.

The Brain Film Fest continues to be a standout event in a city known for its rich and varied festival scene, which includes everything from the Llum BCN festival of light arts to the BCN Sports Film Festival. By blending artistic expression with scientific inquiry, it not only entertains but also educates, fostering a more informed and empathetic public conversation about the organ that defines us.