La casa de la bruixa, directed by Toni O. Prats, has won first prize at Torrerífico 2026, whose ninth edition held its finalist screenings and awards ceremony on Saturday 24 October at Torrevieja’s Virgen del Carmen cultural centre.
The horror short film festival received 173 submissions, selected 14 finalists and distributed €1,700 between its two jury prizes and the audience award.
Just one and a half points between the leaders
The winning film scored 364.5 points and received €1,000; its story follows two girls preparing to enter the home of a woman they suspect has abducted several missing children.
Second prize, worth €500, went to El síndrome del recomendado by Juan Carlos Mostaza, which scored 363 points, just one and a half behind the winner.
This short film introduces Ramón, a man with claustrophobia who gains priority access to a medical examination and must confront his fears inside an MRI scanner, with only Sofía for company.
Olivos sangrientos, by Manuel Jesús Molina Caracuel and Miguel Mendiola Lozano, won the audience award after receiving 37 votes, earning a prize of €200.
The film combines horror and humour as Guille visits his girlfriend’s village to meet her parents and celebrate a birthday; the disappearance of the birthday guest of honour triggers a search that puts the protagonist in danger.
Costumes and local participation
The festival is organised by the council’s Youth Department, the University of Alicante’s Torrevieja branch and the youth leisure association La Comarca.
Those taking part in the awards presentation included youth councillor Domingo Paredes, university branch director Jesús Segarra, and Rebeca Westerveld and Rubén Aniorte, members of both the jury and La Comarca.
A best costume award, introduced for this edition, went to Ignacio Miguel Campillo Martínez, while the day also included a prize draw for those attending.
The jury comprised Belén Cambronero Saiz, Luis Deltell Rodríguez, Patricia Palomares Sánchez, Rebeca Westerveld Fernández and Rubén Aniorte Rebollo.
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