Valladolid, in the region of Castile and León, is getting ready for the start of the 59th edition of one Spain’s most important film festivals, SEMINCI, which is headquartered at the Calderón Theatre, though it also uses various other venues throughout the city.

This year the Festival is focusing on invited country Turkey, and there will also be a retrospective dedicated to South Korean director Bong Joon Ho, who will receive the honorary ‘Espiga de Oro’, (the ‘Golden Ear of Wheat’), which will also be awarded to Verónica Forqué and Imanol Arias.

Ana Morgade will host the opening ceremony, assisted by actor Leticia Sola, who will present the Festival’s Official Selection, and will also accompany journalist and writer Mara Torres, presenter of ‘La 2 News’ on Spanish Television, in the closing ceremony on 25 October. Actor Belén Rueda will be another of those present, as patron of this, the 59th edition of the Valladolid International Film Festival, she’ll read a letter from Festival director Javier Angulo at the opening ceremony.

Also worthy of special mention is a screening of the silent film ‘Blancanieves’, directed by Pablo Berger and winner of 10 Goya film awards in 2013, to be held on Friday, 24 October, with the Symphony Orchestra of Castile and León providing the soundtrack.

*Maribel Verdú in Blancanieves

Where to stay during the Valladolid International Film Festival?

Vincci have a hotel right on Valladolid’s main thoroughfare: the Vincci Frontaura 4* is perfect for fast access to all the city’s most interesting spots, making it a highly attractive option for a week in which the entire city will be devoted to the Seventh Art.

Traditional and modern cuisine fuse in its ‘Tastevin’ restaurant, while the hotel also offers its guests a spa and gym – the perfect way to set yourself up for some great cinema.