Iris Berben opens the Evolution Film Festival in Palma – 15 years of cinema on the island

Iris Berben opens the Evolution Film Festival in Palma – 15 years of cinema on the island

A gala between celebratory mood and quiet remembrance, awards for international figures and a look at the role of film for Mallorca

In the evening, when the streets of the island capital still held the warmth of the day and a light wind from the Passeig Mallorca stirred dust into the lanterns, the Palau de Congressos filled up. Almost a thousand people, experts and enthusiasts, took their seats to witness the start of the 15th edition of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, as captured in Red Carpet and Sea Air: How the Evolution Film Fest Enchants Palma for a Week. The building's facade shimmered slightly; further out one could hear occasional buses heading toward the port—typical city sounds that evening coincided with the flicker of the screen.

The setting was different than usual: political representatives who normally attend premieres were absent out of respect—the region was in a state of mourning after a serious train accident on the mainland. The festival team and the hosts addressed words to those affected before the first applause erupted and the event took on its true tone: a mix of recognition, solidarity and cinematic curiosity.

Sandra Lipski, who founded the festival 15 years ago, was again at the center. The festival's story is a classic island tale: born from the desire to show a film locally, it grew into an event format that now draws directors, actors and technicians from around the world to Palma. The names that have appeared over the years read like an international who's who of cinema and have brought significant attention to the small festival, including visits such as Steve Buscemi Comes to Mallorca: A Hollywood Guest at the Evolution Film Festival 2025.

For technical excellence there was the Cinematography Icon Award: this year's recipient is Matthew Libatique, a cinematographer with a Hollywood background whose work and collaborations with well-known directors have been repeatedly celebrated. The honor served as a reminder of how many people stand behind every film, often working in the dark—lighting, composition, perspectives.

The heart of the evening was the presentation of the Evolution Icon Award to Iris Berben. The 76-year-old actress, whose career spans hundreds of projects, accepted the award in Palma. Her presence on stage, her calm and candid way of speaking about roles, visibility and aging in the industry created moments where laughter and reflection sat close together. She also spoke about the importance of visibility for women in film and society and about the need to tell stories that reflect different life realities.

A small but notable part of the evening: Ruben Östlund, who lives on Mallorca and has ties to the festival, presented one of the awards. Such connections—international professionals who live here alongside local organizers—make the festival a meeting point where island and world cinema intersect.

After the honors, the opening program screened the film "Club Kid," the directorial debut of Jordan Firstman, and the festival engines were in motion. Until November 4 more than 140 films from around 50 countries are planned. That is not just a tally of numbers but a calendar full of opportunities: for local cinemas, for young filmmakers from the region and for audiences seeking cultural impulses outside the high season.

Those seeking exchange can see Iris Berben on Friday, October 30, at the Icon Talk at the Rivoli Aficine. Admission is free and ticket reservations are possible online. Events like these are small lessons in film understanding, networking and the idea that cinema is more than an evening in the light of the screen: it is a window into other worlds and sometimes a catalyst for conversations within society.

For Mallorca the festival has a double significance. It brings international attention to a city that quiets down in autumn and it strengthens cultural infrastructure: cinemas, technicians, caterers and host families benefit. Before the gala one could sense in Palma's alleys the relaxed anticipation of people who are not ready to leave the stage immediately after summer. It is these evenings when the island shows it can be more than sun and beach—it can be a stage, a forum and a place for exchange, as explored in Evolution Film Festival: More than glamour — what does it bring to Mallorca's film scene?.

The coming week promises full houses, discussions after screenings and the usual mix of glamour and work behind the scenes. For anyone who wants to drop by: the festival is open, diverse and at times surprisingly personal. So if you fancy cinema, Palma offers a program this week that both sparks curiosity and leaves room for what film does best: bringing people together.

Brief practical note: the festival runs until November 4; the Icon Talk with Iris Berben takes place on October 30 at 17:00 at the Rivoli Aficine; for reservations the festival's official event page is recommended.