The world of Spanish cinema mourns José Luis Cienfuegos, who died suddenly today from an aneurysm (stroke) at the age of sixty and was a key figure in promoting and renewing film festivals in Spain. Known for the rigor of its programming, sensitivity to independent cinema and absolute commitment to spreading culture, Cienfuegos leaves behind a deep and lasting mark. He has until now served as Director of the Valladolid International Film Week (Seminci), having held this position at the Gijón Film Festival and the Seville Film Festival. “After three decades spent directing some of the most important festivals in Spain, culminating in the 70th edition of the Simenci Festival, José Luis Cienfuegos died today in Madrid at the age of 60,” the Seminsi social networks announced a few minutes ago.
Cienfuegos was born in Aviles, and began his career in the journalism department of the Gijón Festival. In 1995, he made the big leap into directing the competition, where he spent 16 years. During that period, he turned the Asturian event into a gateway to our country for our most daring and stimulating filmmakers. In 2012, he took over the directorship of the Seville Film Festival, which also made him the spearhead of those auteurs who were setting the pulse of contemporary cinema, strengthening their ties with the Spanish and European industry. 2023 was the year that saw his arrival at Valladolid, undoubtedly the biggest challenge of his career.
“In three editions, he expressed his clear stamp of direction, being faithful to the history and spirit that characterized Cienfuegos, and also leading the festival to the necessary renewal,” said the statement from the event run by Cienfuegos. “Therefore, until the 70th edition, it was without a doubt one of the most successful festivals in the long history of the competition, and was a perfect example of the concept of festivals: places for dialogue and knowledge through ambitious and unconventional programmes, creating vibrant bridges between creatives and audiences and, above all, useful and relevant spaces for the industry and filmmakers.”
Away from the screens, he was a very important agent in the Spanish film sector, a tireless worker who never put his name in front of the projects he championed. His legacy is the legacy of a life dedicated to films that find their place, and make those who made them feel that someone truly believed in them. It was not in vain that when he was expelled from the Asturian Festival, more than 400 filmmakers from all over the world supported a statement in his favour. “Cienfuegos adopted a multifaceted view, highlighting the essential role played by distributors, producers, critics and the media in promoting auteur cinema,” Semensi’s letter concluded. “It has radically transformed the way festivals are held in our country, making them liveable places and where cinema has become a pillar of celebration of culture and life.”
The city of Valladolid also gave the news. The city council expressed its condolences for the death: “In these moments of pain, the city stands with his family, friends, all colleagues of the festival and the world of cinema,” the city council expressed through a message published on the social networking site Weight. He added: “He was a lover of life, people and an enthusiast, as well as a person full of enthusiasm. Simensee and the city of Valladolid will always remember José Luis Cienfuegos.”