The 14th Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF), taking place from October 21–29, 2025, is widely regarded as the most prestigious boutique film festival in Europe. Set against the stunning Mediterranean backdrop of Palma, EMIFF draws top-tier talent, industry decision makers, and fresh new voices from the indie film scene. EMIFF’s mission is to bridge cultures and showcase diverse films, fostering creative exchange and collaboration between filmmakers from around the world. Each year, the festival presents a vibrant, international program that inspires both creative connection and cinematic innovation, forging its reputation as an essential destination for filmmakers and film-lovers alike. Cinema Without Borders will offer its internationaly recognized Bridging The Borders Award at the 14th edition of Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival.
To learn more about 2025 Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, we had the opportunity of interviewing Sandra Lipski is the founder and director of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival.
Bijan Tehrani: Let me begin by asking about the 2025 Festival. What should we expect to see this year, and how will it be different from previous editions?
Sandra Seeling: That’s a great question. 2025 marks our 14th edition, and the first big change is that we’ve added an extra day. We’re now a nine-day festival—eight full days plus opening or closing night, depending on how you look at it. This expansion is the result of the many submissions we receive and the growth of our program, which now includes more sections. It reflects not only the increase in quality films submitted to us, but also the growth of our audience. And as always, everything is guided by our mission of Bridging Cultures, Bridging People, which has been at the heart of the festival since the beginning.
Bijan Tehrani: One interesting aspect of your festival is the way audiences respond. How would you describe audience participation each year?
Sandra Seeling: It’s quite unique. The festival takes place on Mallorca, a Spanish island with a strong local Mallorquin identity but also a very international community. Over the years, Mallorca has attracted people from all over—Germans, Swedes, British, Americans, people from the Middle East, and, of course, Spaniards. This diverse mix creates a wonderful environment for the festival. Audiences are not only engaged but also passionate. They attend screenings, stay for Q&As, and participate in networking events we organize not just for professionals but also for film lovers. These are people who go to the movies weekly and look to cinema as a window into different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. In today’s world, where news often feels less reliable, films have become an even more powerful way of showing people what’s really happening in the world.
Bijan Tehrani: As Cinema Without Borders is dedicated to international cinema, what role does international cinema play at the Mallorca Film Festival?
Sandra Seeling: It’s central to our identity. Our categories include feature films, debut features, and short films of outstanding quality. For the past seven years, at least one film from our short film section has gone on to receive an Oscar nomination or win. Last year’s Oscar winner actually premiered at our festival. We’re very proud of discovering and supporting new talent—filmmakers who may become leading directors within the next decade. Of course, with so many submissions today, thanks to advances in technology, it’s not always easy to make selections. But we dig deep to find the true gems. The short films selected for the Bridging The Borders Award are a great example—highlighting cultural diversity and the challenges and beauty of intercultural exchange.
Bijan Tehrani: How strong is the attendance from international filmmakers?
Sandra Seeling: Last year, we welcomed nearly 500 international filmmakers and around 4,000 audience members overall. This year, we expect even more, especially as it marks the fourth edition of our Cinematography Focus section. This program honors a leading cinematographer each year and includes panels and masterclasses. Past honorees have included Anthony Dod Mantle and Ed Lachman, all Oscar nominees or winners. The focus isn’t only for cinematographers—it’s also designed so directors, actors, and other filmmakers can learn about what happens behind the camera. After all, you can’t make a film without a camera. This year, sponsors like Sony have joined us, which further strengthens this growing community.
Bijan Tehrani: Filmmakers and audiences I know who’ve attended your festival often say it’s different from the larger festivals like Cannes or Venice. They mention a unique sense of community and excitement, almost like the spirit of the French New Wave. Other festivals may have glamour and red carpets, but Mallorca offers something warmer and more personal.
Sandra Seeling: I love hearing that. It’s exactly what we want to preserve. For example, when Danny DeVito attended in our fifth year, he could have just shown his film and left, but instead he asked for popcorn and a Diet Coke and stayed to watch all the films in his section. Mads Mikkelsen is another guest who loves mingling with everyone—he’s just part of the community here. That sense of intimacy and respect is what makes us special, and I’m determined to keep it, even as we grow. Bigger isn’t always better; what matters is nurturing real connections and creating an atmosphere where filmmakers feel comfortable sharing personal stories.
Bijan Tehrani: Wonderful. Could you tell me about some of the stars and guests attending this year’s festival?
Sandra Seeling: Of course. This year we’ll be honoring Spanish director Julio Medem, known for Lucía y el sexo (2001), which became a cult hit. He’ll receive the Evolution Vision Award at the closing night. At the opening, we’ll honor cinematographer Phedon Papamichael, an American Greek artist who has collaborated with James Mangold on most of his films, and worked with Aaron Sorkin. He has received multiple Oscar nominations, including for The Descendants, and most recently shot Complete Unknown. He’ll also give a masterclass and film talk.
Bijan Tehrani: That’s exciting. What is the venue for the closing night and award ceremony?
Sandra Seeling: This year it will be at the Teatro Principal, Palma’s historic opera house. Built in the 1500s, rebuilt after a fire, it’s a stunning golden and red theater full of history and atmosphere. We’ve usually held our opening night there, but this year we’re switching it with the modern Palau de Congreso, our congress center. Beyond those two venues, we use seven different locations, including three cinemas and spaces like the Modern Museum and historic monasteries. We always like to blend contemporary discussions with historic settings. And let me also say thank you, Bijan, for your persistence and for seeing the value of our festival. It’s truly an honor to have you and your jury as part of Evolution.
Bijan Tehrani: Thank you. One last question: how much does the festival support independent Spanish cinema?
Sandra Seeling: uite a lot. About half of the Spanish films, we program are independent—especially in the debut and short film sections, and in documentaries. While some documentaries receive modest television funding, they remain very independent in spirit. Of course, we also showcase larger productions, but the heart of our curated sections is independent cinema.
Bijan Tehrani: Very important. And finally, could you tell me about the awards of the festival?
Sandra Seeling: Certainly. Our main awards are Best Feature and Best Short Film, with additional awards for Best Cinematography in both categories, thanks to our cinematography focus. We also present the Bridging Cultures Award and the Innovation Award, supported by London’s Goldfinch production company, which recognizes the most innovative use of filmmaking techniques. Finally, we have the Made in Balearic Section, dedicated to local filmmakers from the Balearic Islands, with awards for features, shorts, and documentaries.
