Eric Francés Named Honorary Patron of Sant Antoni’s Ixtar Curts Film Festival

August 29, 2026

Actor and director Eric Francés has been named Honorary Patron of the 27th Ixtar Curts Short Film Festival, one of Ibiza’s long-running celebrations of short-form cinema.

The festival will take place as part of the Festes de Sant Bartomeu 2026, with the support of Sant Antoni de Portmany Town Hall. This year’s screenings return to the festival’s original setting at the Plaza Norte of the Church of Sant Antoni, with the Balearic Short Film Showcase on Friday, September 4, followed by the Official Section on Saturday, September 5.

A Filmmaker With Strong Ibiza Connections

Francés has more than 20 years of experience across film, theatre and television, and has developed a particularly strong connection with Ibiza.

According to the festival organisers, he has filmed four feature-length productions on the island and considers Ibiza his second home. One of those projects was Bluu, Last Days of Ibiza, filmed on the island with international filmmaker Alain Deymier.

His connection with Ibiza makes the honorary role especially fitting for a festival that places local culture and the island’s audiovisual community at its centre.

A Career in Independent Cinema

Francés has appeared in more than a dozen feature films that have been selected for international festivals.

Among his notable credits are Aislados, directed by David Marqués, and El Destierro, directed by Arturo Ruiz Serrano, for which he received the Best Actor award at the Islantilla Cinefórum Festival.

He has also appeared in films including Desechos, Quatretondeta, La boda de Rosa and El club del paro, while working with directors such as Imanol Uribe, Icíar Bollaín and David Desola.

A Strong Connection to Short Films

Short films have also played an important role in Francés' career.

He has appeared in more than 30 short films and has worked as a director himself. His short Feathers received recognition and was selected for festivals including Seminci, Raindance and Cannes.

His television credits include popular Spanish productions such as Águila Roja, La que se avecina, Bandolera, UCO and El Comisario.

He is currently combining his acting work with the completion of his first feature documentary and has recently finished filming his debut fiction feature as a director.

Ixtar Curts Returns for Its 27th Edition

The Ixtar Curts festival is particularly notable for its longevity. The organisers describe it as the longest-running film showcase of its kind in the Balearic Islands.

The 2026 edition will feature both a Balearic Short Film Showcase and an Official Section featuring national and international productions, continuing the festival's focus on emerging filmmakers and audiovisual diversity.

The main screenings will take place in Sant Antoni on September 4 and 5, bringing cinema back to the town as part of the Festes de Sant Bartomeu.

Cinema Under the Ibiza Sky

The return of Ixtar Curts highlights another side of Ibiza's cultural calendar — one that goes beyond music and nightlife.

With short films projected in the historic centre of Sant Antoni and a filmmaker closely connected to the island serving as honorary patron, the festival offers residents and visitors an opportunity to experience Ibiza's growing connection with independent cinema and audiovisual culture.

Source: Noudiari

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