On Monday 25th July, the Atlàntida Mallorca Film Fest, one of the most important film festivals in the Balearic Islands, kicked off its big week with an opening gala in the courtyard of La Misericòrdia in Palma. A warm ceremony, due to the heat wave we are enduring, but with a festive atmosphere: professionals from the film industry, producers, actors, directors and great personalities from Mallorcan society gathered to welcome the festival in a gala that augurs a fantastic week of cinema in Palma.

At 8:00 pm, the doors of La Misericòrdia opened to an excited audience. A large photocall awaited the journalists. The lights of the spotlights and flashes immortalised the poses of the directors and authorities invited to the event. Next to the photocall, a drinks bar helped the public to refresh themselves in a chill out area just before the start of the event.

At 21:00 all eyes were on the stage for the opening speech. At the white lectern of the AMFF, the Mayor of Palma, José Hila, begins a speech to launch the great week of cinema. Then on stage, the president of the Consell de Mallorca, Catalina Cladera Crespí, and the president of the Govern de les Illes Balears, Francina Armengol, close with a very moving inaugural speech highlighting the universal and inclusive access to culture.

Joan Ripoll, founder of Filmin (the video on demand platform) and promoter of this great film festival, took to the stage to thank all the people and entities that make the continuity of this festival possible year after year: volunteers, production teams, promoters, public administrations and private companies.

Rita Payés, the artist who surprised the audience with her appearance at the Goya Awards with C. Tangana, once again thrilled the audience. With her jazz influences and fusion of rhythms, the young artist offered a show that captivated the festival’s public.

With a slight delay with respect to the program’s scheduled agenda, at 22:00, the event closed its ceremony with the screening of Ramona. The Spanish film directed by Andrea Bagney is one of the highlights of the festival. The audience and the jury were able to enjoy this dramatic genre film set in the city of Madrid, with an exquisite cast: Bruno Lastra, Francesco Carril, Lourdes Hernández.

Mallorca Caprice offers you a review of the festival’s programme.