This Wednesday, the Festival de Málaga held the awards ceremony for the section Asserting Women's Rights, which in its 18th edition once again recognised films committed to equality and the visibility of women’s reality. At the same event, held at the Albéniz Cinema, the winners of the Women on Stage Film Festival awards were announced.
 
Promoted by its creator, documentary filmmaker Mabel Lozano, in collaboration with the Department of Social Rights, Equality, Accessibility and Inclusive Policies, 'Asserting Women's Rights' brings together and gives visibility to audiovisual projects that address gender inequalities from different perspectives.
 
The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre; the Councillor for Social Rights, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility, Francisco Cantos; the Councillor for Culture, María Ana Pineda; the Director of Social Rights and Equality, Lola Aurioles; the Director of the Women's Institute, Cristina Hernández; and the Director of the Festival de Málaga, Juan Antonio Vigar.
 
Mabel Lozano highlighted the importance and consolidation of the Asserting Women's Rights section at the Festival de Málaga, highlighting the quality and quantity of works received, which are key to its relevance. She stressed that cinema is a tool for sharing with citizens and that she hopes the initiative will continue to grow together with the Festival. 
 
Cristina Hernández, for her part, emphasised the role of film as a powerful tool for making realities visible and breaking down stereotypes. She recalled pioneering women filmmakers such as Pilar Miró, Josefina Molina and Cecilia Bartolomé, who paved the way for new generations of filmmakers, and stressed the need to continue promoting spaces that promote equality in the industry. She also defended the right of actresses to grow old and continue working, stressing that culture not only reflects society, but also has the power to transform it.
 
This year, the call received both national and international entries, consolidating the section as a key space for social commitment in the film industry.
 
 WINNERS OF THE WOMEN ON STAGE FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS
Silver Biznaga for Best Documentary:
Indarkeriaren oi Artzunak, directed by Amaia Merino and Ander Iriarte. The award was presented by Francisco Cantos, Councillor for Social Rights and Equality.
Silver Biznaga for Best Fiction:
Mentiste Amanda, directed by Eva Libertad and Nuria Muñoz. The award was presented by Juan Antonio Vigar, director of the Film Festival.
Silver Biznaga Audience Award:
Reflejos de una habitación, directed by Ceres Machado. The award was presented by Lola Aurioles, Director of Social Rights and Equality.
Silver Biznaga Málaga Women on Stage: La Banda, directed by Delia Márquez and Leonor Jiménez. The award was presented by the film team from the Equality area.

WINNERS OF THE 18TH EDITION OF THE ASSERTING WOMEN'S RIGHTS AWARDS 2024
Silver Biznaga Asserting Women's Rights Audience Award for the documentary:
Mujer, papel y tijera, directed by Ana Gallego. The award was presented by Juan Antonio Vigar, Director of the Festival de Málaga
Silver Biznaga Asserting Women's Rights Special Award for the documentary:
Metacyclical, directed by Lydia Zimmermann. The award was presented by Cristina Hernández, director of the Women's Institute.
First Prize Silver Biznaga Asserting Women's Rights Award for the fiction film:
El peso de la ausencia, directed by Alberto Gómez Uriol. Francisco de la Torre presented the award.