The Dream Makers: Short Film Contest Finalists
The Dream Makers, an initiative by CUPRA in partnership with J.A. Bayona and ESCAC (Escola Superior de Cinema i Audiovisuals de Catalunya), is moving forward with the announcement of the Short Film Contest finalists.
CUPRA x J.A. Bayona x ESCAC: The Impulse for Next-Generation Cinema Talent
At an event held at CASA SEAT, the jury revealed the top six projects and shared details about the next competition: the Film Studies contest.
The Dream Makers: Short Film Contest Finalists Announced
The jury, consisting of CUPRA CEO Wayne Griffiths, Oscar-nominated director J.A. Bayona, Hollywood actor Daniel Brühl, ESCAC Development Director Aintza Serra and Sitges Film Festival Director Ángel Sala, shortlisted six projects based on their boldness, vision and original approach.
“The Dream Makers is an initiative that emerges from CUPRA’s mission to impulse the next generation of creative talent, while inspiring the world from Barcelona. Just like our brand, cinema is meant to create strong emotions and challenge the status quo,” said Wayne Griffiths, CEO of CUPRA. “The purpose of this challenge is to ignite the creative spark of young filmmakers, the artists of the future whose stories are waiting to come to life. We are committed to making their dreams a reality,” he added.
The Bold Dreamers: Meet the Finalists
Young filmmakers from around the world participated in the Short Film Contest, with 241 submissions from 20–31-year-olds across 15 countries. The top six finalists, selected for their creativity and innovative storytelling, include:
400 Gramos by John Esteban Araque (30), Colombia/Spain
Marco, a 16-year-old boy, confronts a daunting challenge in the national Taekwondo championship. He exceeds the weight limit for his category by 400 grams, and despite extreme measures like days without eating and significant weight reduction, success seems nearly impossible. This story sheds light on the struggles athletes encounters in their daily lives and the adaptations they make to compete in official tournaments.
El Ritual by Manuel Antonio Escalante (29), Mexico
The struggle to cope with the death of a loved one is the main topic of this story that combines tension and drama to show how grief can lead people to take unexpected decisions: to perform a mysterious ritual that promises to facilitate communication with the dead through a door. However, there’s a crucial rule: she must never open that door, or terrible consequences could unfold.
Homing by Hansel Rodrigues (25) and Lizzie Atherton (27), UK
On the south coast of England, a family’s morning is interrupted by a stranger. A man is in the garden. His jeans are wet, and he looks lost. Is he in need of help, or is he a threat? More importantly, what do they do now? This story asks us how we would act when faced with the drama of immigration.
Confronting one's own principles is a struggle when moral challenges present themselves on one's doorstep. A story that asks us how we would act when faced with the drama of immigration.
Señuelo by Martha García (24), Spain
Family traditions should not always be followed, as shown in this proposal that combines drama and tension where during a day of hunting to initiate him to manhood, Martín must face the wrath of his father and the threat of a strange presence.
Solon 2079 by Alejandro Moreno (24), Spain
What is the limit of Artificial Intelligence? This proposal shows us a possible future scenario in which innovation may have gone too far: an honest detective must question his morals to fight for an increasingly ambiguous truth.
Volver y Empezar by Daniel Omaña (24), Spain
In a challenging narrative, the protagonist must deal with solving a mystery navigating two distinct realities: the dream world and real life. Álvaro wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of what happened. His family tells him that he suffered a fall climbing, but through his dreams, he experiences visions that do not match the official version. Among them, a woman who cannot reveal her identity.
“It is remarkable to see the raw talent and the new perspectives of the next generation with these stories. Going through the scripts to choose the finalists was a thrilling experience. We chose the most disruptive stories, the ones that reminds us that a film has the power to change the world,” explained J.A. Bayona. “The world of cinema is in constant need of new voices that dare to tell extraordinary stories, and with CUPRA we are bringing those voices to the spotlight,” he added.
Mentoring and Final Decision
Before announcing the winner of the Short Film Contest, J.A. Bayona and the ESCAC will conduct mentoring sessions with the finalists. These sessions will serve as the basis for their final decision, and they will deliberate together over the next few months to select the winner. The announcement of the winner will take place during the 2024 Sitges Film Festival, scheduled to be held in Sitges from October 3rd to 13th. The winning filmmaker will see his short film produced and have the opportunity to make a mark in the film industry.
A New Challenge: The Dream Makers Film Studies Contest
The event also served to announce details of the second competition, the Film Studies Contest, inviting 17–21-year-old filmmakers to present a short film based on specific themes. The jury – the same as the short film contest – will shortlist five projects and announce the winner in December 2024. The winner will receive a full 4-year scholarship at ESCAC and a monthly grant covering living expenses throughout the duration of the studies.
“We encourage young people to follow their passion for cinema and to unleash their creativity. We are committed to providing all the tools future filmmakers need to take their exceptional ideas to the big screen and thrive in the exciting world of cinema,” said Aintza Serra, ESCAC Development Director at ESCAC.
How to Participate in the Film Studies Contest
Participants can submit their projects through the ESCAC website between October and November 2024. Filmmakers must create a short film based on three words selected by CUPRA, J.A. Bayona, and ESCAC. These keywords will be revealed at the Sitges Film Festival, running from October 3rd to 13th. This limited timeframe is designed to inspire creativity and innovative work.
Submission requirements are as follows:
- A short film (maximum 8 minutes)
- The candidate’s CV
- A 600-word statement
- A presentation of 5 photographic images
- A video pitch (maximum 3 minutes)
Detailed information about the contest will be available on the ESCAC website in early October 2024: ESCAC The Dream Makers Contest.
CUPRA’s Commitment to Cinema
CUPRA's dedication to cinema and creativity continues through these competitions and its ongoing sponsorship of the Sitges Film Festival. We remain committed to inspiring the world from Barcelona by supporting new voices in the cinematic world.
