The Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia will surpass €900,000 in ticket revenue for the first time in its 58-year history, organisers confirmed on Wednesday. Festival director Ángel Sala and foundation director Mònica García announced the milestone during the event’s closing days, describing this year’s edition as delivering spectacular results. The achievement comes despite operating without the El Retiro cinema venue and lacking mid-week holiday attendance. Current revenue stands at €924,695, significantly exceeding last year’s total of €836,358.55, with final ticket sales projected to grow 6-8% above previous records.
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Record-Breaking Performance
Sala acknowledged that reaching the €900,000 threshold seemed almost utopian earlier this year. He noted the festival has successfully bridged the attendance gap between weekend and weekday screenings. Both major productions and independent films have drawn strong audiences throughout the event. The director particularly highlighted successful retrospectives and classic film revivals, especially among younger viewers seeking cinematic experiences. This cultural momentum aligns with broader regional developments in Catalonia’s cultural infrastructure.
Future Programming Vision
Organisers have already begun planning for the 2026 edition, themed around incarnations of evil with anchor celebrations for the 50th anniversary of ‘The Omen’. Additional commemorations will mark 50 years since Narciso Ibáñez Serrador’s ‘Who Can Kill a Child?’, filmed in Sitges itself. The programme will also honour the 50th anniversary of Brian De Palma’s ‘Carrie’, the 40th anniversary of Russell Mulcahy’s ‘Highlander’, and feature a spotlight on Hammer Film Productions. According to festival leadership, preliminary work has commenced for the 60th anniversary edition in 2027, aiming to deliver an event worthy of this milestone. The festival’s growing economic impact demonstrates the viability of specialised cultural events within Catalonia’s tourism ecosystem. Sala expressed confidence that with the potential return of the El Retiro venue and favourable calendar conditions, the €1 million revenue target appears increasingly achievable for future editions.
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