CULTURE AND TRANSFORMATION
Gonzalo Olabarria. Councillor for Culture and Governance City Council of Bilbao.
C67 years represent an impressive legacy for any cultural endeavour. Over so many years, ZINEBI has accumulated a history and character that explain many of its distinctive qualities and momentum. But that legacy can and should be measured against the challenges now faced by creation, the audiovisual industry and the cultural sector. 67 years not only help us look to the future, but also call for a fresh perspective.
Over nearly seven decades, ZINEBI has established its prestige as an international benchmark platform for short films and documentaries, connecting our city with filmmakers from all over the world. It has also embraced the need to nurture local talent and position Bilbao as a dynamic creative hub. In this endeavour, the festival works closely alongside the Basque audiovisual industry to create opportunities, aware that it is part of a creative and industrial ecosystem with enormous potential.
And so ZINEBI assists in training new generations of filmmakers and professionals, encouraging innovation in an increasingly attractive and competitive sector. Through its activities – screenings, laboratories, professional gatherings and spaces for dialogue – the festival weaves networks between academia, the industry and filmmakers, fostering an audiovisual project that goes beyond the scope of a mere event.
ZINEBI 67 is an invitation for everyone to get involved in a collective project that not only celebrates documentary and short films, but also encourages our community to build a more connected, diverse and future-ready Bilbao. It reflects who we already are, but above all, it brings us closer to who we aspire to be. We will attempt to forge ahead with ambition, respect and commitment.
