As the Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival embarks on its second decade, it introduces a new recognition award honoring talents who have left a lasting mark on Spanish cinema. In line with its mission not only to showcase Spanish cinema in the Netherlands but also to bridge connections between both countries and foster cultural exchange, ASFF inaugurates this initiative, named after the renowned Dutch filmmaker Ramón Gieling.
The first recipient of this award is the international acclaimed filmmaker Icíar Bollaín. Her extraordinary filmography, along with her unwavering commitment to a cinema that moves, challenges, and transforms, makes her the ideal honoree for this inaugural edition. Gieling himself will have the honor of personally presenting this award.
The inauguration of this award will be marked by a special gala ceremony at Pathé Tuschinski on April 11th. Icíar Bollaín will be present to receive the award following the premiere of her latest film, Soy Nevenka. She will also participate in a Q&A session ewith the audience, offering a unique opportunity to engage with her work and vision.
PROGRAM
20:30 – ‘Soy Nevenka’ (I am Nevenka)
22:30 – Q&A with Icíar Bollaín
23:00 – Honorary Gieling Award
Named in tribute to Ramón Gieling, a Dutch filmmaker with deep ties to Spain, the Honorary Gieling Award reflects the festival’s mission of cultural connection. ASFF founder and director Virginia Pablos explains: “The award is inspired by the Goya de Honor, a prestigious recognition granted by the Spanish Academy of Cinema to key figures in Spanish film. It was important for us to name it after someone who represents both Dutch and Spanish cinema, reinforcing ASFF’s mission as a Spanish film festival made in the Netherlands.”
The Honorary Gieling Award is set to become an annual tradition, celebrating an outstanding figure each year. This initiative will not only honor remarkable talents but also strengthen the connection between Spanish and Dutch film industries. As a symbol of unity, the award will continue to bring key figures from both industries together through ASFF, shaping the festival’s future editions and reinforcing its role as a bridge between cultures.
