When the cold begins to creep into the streets of Barcelona and the afternoons grow shorter, seeking refuge in the warmth of a good story becomes an almost instinctive need. In a city that is constantly changing and where thousands of different realities coexist, the big screen offers us a mirror in which to reflect on our roots, our shared memory, and that sense of belonging that anchors us to the world.
To address this collective need, the seventeenth edition of the Pantalla film series, organized by Barcelona Districte Cultural, will transform 23 civic centers across the city into full-fledged movie theaters from October 27, 2026, through March 21, 2027. Through 165 free screenings and a lineup of 21 films, the Institut de Cultura de Barcelona is promoting this initiative designed to bring culture to all neighborhoods, offering screenings for adults, school groups, and families.
Identities in Motion
This season’s programming for adults revolves around identity, migration, and diversity. Through intimate and relatable stories, the series poses universal questions about our origins and the relationships that define us. Films such as *Chinas* (2023), *Ciudad sin sueño* (2025), and *Historias del buen valle* (2026) delve into migration and our relationship with the land. Meanwhile, family ties and the transition to adulthood set the tone for *All We Imagine as Light*, *Jone, batzuetan*, *L’edat imminent*, and *Los domingos*.
The program also dedicates space to gender identity in the face of social prejudices with *Liuben* and *Miss Carbón*, while *Calladita*, *Ruido*, and *Sorda* explore the search for one’s own voice in the face of inequalities and established roles.
Viewers aged 3 to 10 have their own dedicated space with Petit Pantalla. This program features nine gems of European animation centered on adventure and friendship. Brought to life by the characters Billy and Milly Oncle, the screenings will include titles such as *Billy, the Cowboy Hamster*, *The Great Animal Christmas*, and *The Secret of the Mallerenga*. The children’s program ranges from paleontological discoveries in *Mary Anning and the Dinosaur Beach* to complex realities such as evictions, explored through a child’s perspective in *Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake*.
Accessible cinema and live discussions
With the aim of ensuring no one is left out, all screened films will feature subtitles, and several of them—both in the adult and children’s programs—will offer audio description via the free AudescMobile app.
Beyond turning off the lights and pressing play, the film series is complemented by activities that expand the experience. Highlights include face-to-face encounters with filmmakers, such as director José Luis Guerín discussing *Historias del buen valle*, Sara Fantova discussing *Jone, batzuetan*, and Ingride Santos discussing *Ruido*. In addition, those with a thirst for knowledge can sign up for the “Pati de Cine” workshops at the Centre Cívic Pati Llimona to delve deeper into the language of cinema, or for the children’s cut-out animation workshop, where the little ones will learn to bring their own characters to life.
All admission is free, though advance reservations are recommended via the festival’s website.
