The Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI) is the oldest film festival in Latin America, kicking off its journey back in 1960. Since then, it has become an iconic space for independent and auteur cinema, celebrating the cultural diversity of the region and giving a platform to emerging and established filmmakers. Set against the magical backdrop of the walled city of Cartagena, with its colonial architecture and historic vibe, this celebration of cinema takes place annually in late February or early March, when Cartagena’s warm weather and tropical breezes create the perfect atmosphere.
Over the years, FICCI has hosted some of the biggest names in the film world, like Francis Ford Coppola, who visited in the 1980s; the iconic Tilda Swinton, who made an appearance in 2015; and Clive Owen, who came in 2013. Stars like Alejandro González Iñárritu, Gael García Bernal, and Willem Dafoe have also walked the red carpet in Cartagena. The festival has also seen Latin American icons, like Colombia’s own Sofía Vergara, who’s been present at multiple editions, and renowned Brazilian director Walter Salles, making it a true meeting point of cultures and talent.
What makes FICCI so important isn’t just its history; it’s the way it brings together the film industry from across Latin America, creating a space for open dialogue about cinema and its evolution. Each year, the festival reinvents itself, offering a place for reflection, learning, and showcasing new voices telling unique stories with authenticity. More than just an event, FICCI is a celebration of film as a powerful medium to share experiences, dreams, and realities.
