The Festival de Málaga hosted the presentation of the Andalusian Talent Award RTVA 2026 to the Malaga-based producer José Alba, in an event that brought together institutional representatives and professionals from the audiovisual sector to celebrate the talent and projection of Andalusian cinema.
 
The meeting was attended by Juande Mellado, Director General of RTVA; Patricia Navarro, delegate of the Government of Andalusia in Malaga; Isabel Cabrera, deputy director of RTVA and Juan Antonio Vigar, director of the Festival de Málaga, and the honoree himself.
 
During her speech, Isabel Cabrera underlined Canal Sur's commitment to the audiovisual industry and valued the recognition of Alba as a "well-deserved award". Cabrera recalled that in recent years the public broadcaster has taken part in more than 100 fiction films, 78 documentaries, 28 documentary series, two fiction series and two animated series, with an investment of more than 26 million euros. This support is also reflected in her programming, with more than 400 films a year, as well as numerous documentaries and programmes dedicated to cinema.
 
The director of the Festival de Málaga, Juan Antonio Vigar, highlighted José Alba's relationship with the event and the growth of his career as a producer. "We have known you for many years and appreciate your work. Your films have been shown at the festival and we want, in as humble a way possible, to support all your projects", he said. Vigar also wanted to congratulate the Canal Sur team for their work in the audiovisual sector: "You have extraordinary professionals. I congratulate your team for doing so much so well”.
 
The recognition highlights the career of José Alba, whose films have been growing in ambition and production quality, which has allowed him to position himself on international circuits and to take part in festivals such as the Festival de Málaga, as well as benchmark events such as Cannes and Berlin.
 
For her part, Patricia Navarro emphasised that the award symbolises "the talent and commitment to the cinema that is born and grows in our land". The government delegate congratulated José Alba on a career marked by "courage, perseverance and a firm commitment to Andalusian talent", stressing that this type of initiative not only strengthens the audiovisual industry, but also generates employment and opportunities in the community."
 
Navarro also wished to acknowledge the work of the Festival de Málaga and its team. "You have had an admirable capacity to adapt to every adversity in these 29 years: economic crises, wars, pandemics and railway problems," he said.
 
After the speeches, Juande Mellado presented the award to José Alba. The producer recalled his early links with the event: "I was a volunteer at the second edition of the festival. You were the first to support one of my films and for that I am eternally grateful". He also thanked Canal Sur for its never-waning support.
 
In his speech, Alba recalled his childhood linked to the city's cinemas. "It is very special to receive this award in this cinema. My grandfather worked as a cinema manager at the Palacio del Cine, and in other cinemas like this one, the Albéniz. I used to go with him every afternoon to see whatever film was on", he explained, emotionally dedicating the award to his grandfather "who is probably watching me from the booth".
 
The event concluded with the words of the Director General of RTVA, who highlighted the historic collaboration between the Andalusian public broadcaster and the Festival de Málaga, describing the event as "not only necessary, but also useful". He also recalled that Canal Sur is taking part in this year's festival with 16 audiovisual productions, including films and documentaries made by Andalusian creators.