Sitges, Spain, October 19, 2025 – The 58th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia concluded today, celebrating the best in genre cinema from around the globe. The festival, held annually in Sitges, Spain, has long been recognized as one of the world’s leading platforms for horror, fantasy, and science fiction films.
This year, the festival awarded Best Film to The Ugly Stepsister, a satirical black comedy and body horror film directed by Emilie Blichfeldt. Meanwhile, acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook received the Best Director award for his gripping psychological thriller, No Other Choice.
Highlights of Sitges 2025
The festival ran from October 9 to October 19, 2025, showcasing over 200 films from multiple countries, including feature-length films, short films, and documentaries. The lineup included a mix of established directors and emerging talent, emphasizing innovative storytelling in the horror, fantasy, and sci-fi genres.
Festival director Jordi Batlle remarked:
“Sitges 2025 has once again demonstrated the global creativity in genre cinema. From satirical horrors to psychological thrillers, this year’s selection reflects the diversity and ingenuity of filmmakers worldwide.”
Award Winners
Best Film: The Ugly Stepsister – Emilie Blichfeldt
Best Director: Park Chan-wook – No Other Choice
Audience Choice Award: Shadows in the Mist – a supernatural mystery film from Canada
Best Short Film: Eclipse of Tomorrow – a Spanish animated horror
Emilie Blichfeldt expressed her gratitude at the ceremony:
“Winning Best Film at Sitges is an incredible honor. This festival celebrates the unexpected and imaginative, and it’s thrilling to see audiences connect with our story.”
Park Chan-wook, speaking about his win, said:
“Sitges has always been a platform that appreciates daring cinema. Receiving Best Director here is deeply rewarding, as it highlights the global appeal of our work in genre storytelling.”
Global Impact and Recognition
Sitges Film Festival has historically served as a launchpad for international genre films, with many entries later achieving critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. The festival also provides networking opportunities for filmmakers, producers, and distributors, fostering collaboration across continents.
Film critic Laura Mendoza noted:
“Sitges continues to be a bellwether for innovative genre cinema. The awards this year reflect not only creativity but also the evolving tastes of global audiences who seek more than mainstream storytelling.”
Audience Engagement
Attendance this year exceeded 100,000 visitors, with screenings held in multiple venues across Sitges. Interactive Q&A sessions, masterclasses, and panel discussions allowed audiences to engage directly with filmmakers, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere.
Festival-goer Carlos Ruiz shared:
“The energy at Sitges is unmatched. Watching these films on the big screen, surrounded by fans and creators, is a unique experience. It’s more than just watching movies; it’s celebrating creativity.”
Festival’s Broader Significance
Sitges continues to champion genre films that push artistic boundaries, providing a critical platform for films that might not fit into mainstream categories. Its influence extends beyond Spain, impacting global distribution and recognition of genre cinema.
Jordi Batlle added:
“Sitges remains committed to discovering and promoting films that challenge norms and inspire audiences worldwide. Our goal is to celebrate cinema that surprises, provokes, and delights.”
Conclusion
The 58th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival has once again solidified its position as a leading platform for genre cinema, highlighting creativity, innovation, and global collaboration. With The Ugly Stepsister winning Best Film and Park Chan-wook recognized as Best Director, the festival celebrated both emerging talent and established filmmakers.
As Sitges closes its 2025 edition, it leaves a lasting impact on the international film community, inspiring new stories, encouraging bold artistic visions, and strengthening the global appreciation for horror, fantasy, and science fiction cinema.
