Cinema has often relegated the intimacy of older people, suggesting that desire has an expiration date. However, the Silver Film Festival, presented this Wednesday at the Arriaga Theatre, stands as an act of cultural rebellion to demonstrate that love and sex are not "privileges of youth," but essential dimensions of human dignity at all stages. Under the motto Love & Sex (ageless), Bilbao is preparing for a fourth edition that not only screens films but also seeks to restore the right of a social majority to see themselves reflected with all their complexity, desire, and emotional truth.
One of the most anticipated milestones, according to Marian Gerrikabeitia, the festival's director, will be the presentation of the Silver Saria 2026 award to actress Elena Irureta. The festival recognizes in her not only her immense interpretive talent but also a career based on honesty, closeness, and an exceptional ability to adapt to the passage of time while maintaining a vibrant career in film, theatre, and television. The award ceremony will take place on Monday, April 20, at 7:00 PM in a unique inaugural gala: the Arriaga Theatre will be transformed into a "bollerismo" venue through a theatrical piece written by Ángel Mirú and directed by Paco Revueltas.
After the award ceremony, the public will enjoy the national premiere of Dorados 50, a film where its protagonist reflects on infinite loves and the daily struggle to live with a marked existential humor. It will not be the only major premiere; on Thursday, April 23, El placer es mío will arrive at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a fun French film that tells the true story of the invention of the Satisfyer by an engineer determined to revolutionize his wife's pleasure.
This year's program, consisting of 16 titles (7 feature films and 9 short films), opts for an unfiltered view. A clear example is the German film En el séptimo cielo, which naturally and beautifully shows naked bodies of people aged 70, capturing the passion and desire that re-emerge in maturity. In addition, the festival gives a voice to new creators with the Debutantes Silver section, where people over 50 make their directorial debut, such as Pilar González with her short film Colorado.
The event strengthens its intellectual dimension through colloquiums in collaboration with the Nagus Intelligence Center (NIC). Among them, the round table moderated by sexologist Lorena Berdún stands out, which will feature the participation of José Luis Rebordinos, director of the Donostiako Zinemaldia, to analyze why cinema often silences stories of active sexuality in older adults. Emerging professional figures such as intimacy coordination in filming will also be explored, essential to ensure respect in scenes with high emotional content.
