23 - 27 NOVEMBER 2020
23 - 27 NOVEMBER 2020
23 - 27 NOVEMBER 2020
23 - 27 NOVEMBER 2020
IMDb Awards Listing Qualifier
14-17 OCTOBER 2026
LOVE & HOPE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – BARCELONA 2026
FILMMAKER & GUEST GUIDE 2026
October 14–17, 2026
Barcelona, Spain
Cinema Without Borders, Dreams Without Limits
Everything you need for screenings, badges, venues, travel, safety, events, networking and the Gala.
WELCOME TO BARCELONA
Welcome to the Love & Hope International Film Festival – Barcelona 2026.
This guide is designed to help filmmakers and guests move through the festival with confidence — from badge collection and screenings to networking events, transportation, safety, the Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony and emergency information.
We have four days of cinema, filmmaker Q&As, workshops, masterclasses, podcasts, networking, special events and opportunities to meet filmmakers from around the world.
Make the most of your time in Barcelona.
WELCOME TO THE 2026 FAMILY
Every edition of the Love & Hope International Film Festival – Barcelona creates a new international community of filmmakers.
If you are here with us in Barcelona in 2026, you are part of the 2026 family.
The festival may last four days, but the connections you make here do not have to end on October 17.
Stay connected.
Support each other's work.
Keep creating.
And please — talk to people.
Some of the most important things that happen at a film festival happen outside the screening room.
IF YOU ONLY REMEMBER 5 THINGS
1. Wear your Festival Badge.
2. Always check which venue you are going to.
3. Arrive early — seating is first come, first served.
4. Watch your belongings while moving around Barcelona.
5. Network. You came all this way — talk to people.
FESTIVAL BADGE
Your official Festival Badge is your main access credential during the Love & Hope International Film Festival – Barcelona 2026.
Please wear your badge and keep it with you throughout the festival.
Festival staff and venue security may check badges at entrances.
Your badge provides access to included festival screenings, filmmaker Q&As, workshops, masterclasses, networking activities and participating badge-access events.
All access is subject to:
-
Venue capacity
-
Event rules
-
Age restrictions
-
First come, first served admission
-
Any specific invitation or guest-list requirement
Your Festival Badge does not guarantee a seat.
Arrive early.
BADGE COLLECTION
OCTOBER 13 – EARLY BADGE COLLECTION
Toni Rovira y Tú – Welcome Event
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Filmmakers and guests already in Barcelona may collect their badges during our Welcome Event on October 13.
This is also an opportunity to meet other filmmakers and begin networking before the official first day of screenings.
OCTOBER 14
Cinema Maldà
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
OCTOBER 15
Cinema Maldà
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
OCTOBER 16
Cinema Maldà
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
OCTOBER 17
Cinema Maldà
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
IMPORTANT BADGE INFORMATION
Cinema Maldà is the ONLY regular Festival Badge collection point from October 14–17.
There is NO badge collection at Sala Manu Pérez.
Please collect your badge at Cinema Maldà before attending activities at other festival venues.
LOST OR DAMAGED FESTIVAL BADGE
Please take care of your Festival Badge.
If your badge is lost or damaged:
Replacement fee: €39
A replacement badge may take up to 24 hours to prepare.
During that period, complimentary Festival Badge access cannot be guaranteed.
Lost or damaged badges should be reported immediately to the festival team.
If you arrive at a public festival event without your badge and tickets are still available, you may be required to purchase a ticket in order to enter.
This does not apply to private or invitation-only events. Purchasing a ticket does not override an invitation list or private access policy.
BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOTEL
30-SECOND CHECK
BADGE. PHONE. ID. TICKET. VENUE. TIME.
We also recommend carrying:
-
Phone charger or power bank
-
Secondary ID
-
Water
-
Small umbrella if necessary
-
Gala ticket if attending
-
Business cards or a QR code with your professional information
FESTIVAL VENUES
CINEMA MALDÀ
Carrer del Pi, 5
Ciutat Vella
08002 Barcelona, Spain
Cinema Maldà is our principal festival screening venue and one of the central meeting points of the festival.
The venue hosts:
-
Festival screenings
-
Filmmaker Q&As
-
Opening Ceremony
-
Official Ribbon Cutting
-
Regular Festival Badge collection
Cinema Maldà is located in the historic center of Barcelona, close to La Rambla and Plaça Catalunya.
SALA MANU PÉREZ
Carrer de Llull, 11
Sant Martí
08005 Barcelona, Spain
Sala Manu Pérez hosts additional festival programming, including:
-
Screenings
-
Podcasts
-
Workshops
-
Masterclasses
-
Filmmaker activities
-
Selected networking events
Festival Badges cannot be collected at Sala Manu Pérez.
GALA DINNER & AWARDS CEREMONY VENUE
F9cs N9U Brasa Lounge
Camí del Pantà, 2
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
08017 Barcelona, Spain
October 17, 2026
9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony is a private ticketed event.
A Festival Badge alone does not provide access to the Gala.
A valid Gala ticket is required.
ALWAYS CHECK YOUR VENUE
Not every screening, masterclass, networking event or festival activity happens at Cinema Maldà.
Before leaving your hotel or another festival venue, check:
-
Venue
-
Address
-
Starting time
-
Access requirements
-
Whether a ticket, badge or invitation is required
Please allow enough travel time between locations.
ARRIVE EARLY
We recommend arriving approximately 15–20 minutes before screenings.
For major events, popular masterclasses and special activities, arriving even earlier is recommended.
Seating is always subject to capacity.
If your own film is screening, please arrive early and identify yourself to the festival team.
Late entry may be restricted once a screening or session has begun.
OFFICIAL FESTIVAL HOTEL PARTNER
CATALONIA HOTELS
Festival guests can book accommodation for:
October 13–18, 2026
Festival Booking Code: LHIFF2026
Official English Booking Link:
https://www.cataloniahotels.com/en/pages/lhiff-2026
We recommend booking early.
Arriving on October 13 allows you to attend the Welcome Event and collect your badge before the first official screening day.
Leaving on October 18 allows you to enjoy the entire Gala night without worrying about early travel the following morning.
ARRIVING IN BARCELONA
MAIN AIRPORT
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport
Airport Code: BCN
Barcelona Airport has two primary passenger terminals:
Terminal 1 – T1
Terminal 2 – T2
Several transportation options connect the airport with Barcelona.
AEROBÚS
For many international visitors, the Aerobús is one of the simplest options for reaching central Barcelona.
A1
Operates from Terminal 1.
A2
Operates from Terminal 2.
Major stops include:
-
Plaça Espanya
-
Plaça Universitat
-
Plaça Catalunya
Plaça Catalunya is located very close to Barcelona's historic center and is convenient for guests staying around Ciutat Vella.
BUS 46
Barcelona's public Bus 46 connects the airport with:
Plaça Espanya
This can be a convenient budget-friendly alternative.
From Plaça Espanya, you can connect to Barcelona's Metro network to continue toward your hotel or festival venue.
METRO FROM BARCELONA AIRPORT
L9 SUD
Metro Line L9 Sud connects Barcelona Airport with the city's Metro network.
Useful interchange stations include:
Torrassa
Connection with L1
Collblanc
Connection with L5
Zona Universitària
Connection with L3
You will normally need to change Metro lines to reach central Barcelona.
TAXIS
Official Barcelona taxis are easy to recognize:
Black and yellow vehicles
Taxis are available at Barcelona Airport and throughout the city.
They can be especially useful:
-
Late at night
-
After festival events
-
When attending the Gala
-
When wearing formal clothing
-
When carrying luggage or equipment
-
When several people are traveling together
PLAN EXTRA TRAVEL TIME
Do not leave one venue at the exact time another event begins.
Barcelona is easy to navigate, but:
-
Metro transfers take time
-
Walking between stations takes time
-
Traffic can be busy
-
Taxi waiting times vary
-
Festival venues are located in different neighborhoods
For important screenings, events, workshops and masterclasses, give yourself extra time.
BARCELONA WEATHER
Mid-October in Barcelona is generally mild and comfortable.
You can expect approximately:
Daytime
20–23°C
Evenings
Approximately 12–17°C
Some days can feel warmer.
We recommend bringing:
-
Light jacket
-
Comfortable shoes
-
Small umbrella
-
Light rain jacket if necessary
Autumn weather can change, so check the forecast during festival week.
GOOD TO KNOW IN BARCELONA
Barcelona has two official languages:
Catalan and Spanish
English is widely understood in many:
-
Hotels
-
Restaurants
-
Tourist areas
-
Major attractions
-
International businesses
Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted.
Keeping a small amount of cash can still be useful.
Lunch and dinner in Spain may happen later than in some other countries.
Many restaurants begin becoming particularly busy for dinner from around 8:00 PM onward.
SAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION OFFLINE
Before traveling, we recommend saving screenshots or offline copies of:
-
Festival schedule
-
Festival QR code
-
Hotel address
-
Cinema Maldà address
-
Sala Manu Pérez address
-
Gala venue address
-
Gala ticket
-
Flight details
-
Passport identification page
-
Consulate information
-
Festival emergency phone number
Do not rely entirely on mobile internet.
BARCELONA SAFETY
Barcelona is a major international city and millions of visitors enjoy it safely every year.
However, travelers should be particularly aware of pickpocketing and opportunistic theft.
Be especially careful:
-
On the Metro
-
At Metro entrances and exits
-
Around La Rambla
-
Around Plaça Catalunya
-
In train and bus stations
-
At airports
-
On crowded streets
-
At tourist attractions
-
In cafés and restaurants
-
When carrying luggage
SIMPLE SAFETY RULES
Keep your phone and wallet in front of you.
Do not place valuables in an open back pocket.
Keep bags closed and in front of you on public transportation.
Do not leave phones or wallets on café or restaurant tables.
Do not hang your bag loosely behind your chair.
Keep control of your luggage at all times.
Avoid carrying unnecessary large amounts of cash.
PASSPORTS & IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Whenever possible, leave your:
-
Passport
-
Extra credit cards
-
Large amounts of cash
-
Important travel documents
in a secure location at your accommodation, such as a hotel safe.
For normal movement around Barcelona, a simple secondary ID or driving licence can be useful when appropriate.
We also recommend keeping a digital or photographic copy of your passport identification page on your phone.
Always carry your original passport whenever legally or officially required.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS DISCLAIMER
Festival organizers, festival venues and festival partner locations are not responsible for lost, stolen or unattended personal belongings.
This includes:
-
Phones
-
Wallets
-
Passports
-
Luggage
-
Cameras
-
Filmmaking equipment
-
Bags
-
Clothing
-
Personal property
Guests remain responsible for their own belongings at all times.
IF SOMETHING IS LOST OR STOLEN
If you lose something:
-
Check with venue staff immediately.
-
Contact the festival team.
-
If you believe something was stolen, contact local police.
-
If your passport is involved, contact your consulate or embassy.
Remember that festival venues and organizers cannot accept responsibility for personal loss or theft.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
SPAIN / EUROPEAN EMERGENCY NUMBER
112
Use 112 for:
-
Police
-
Ambulance
-
Fire
-
Serious accident
-
Immediate danger
FESTIVAL URGENT ASSISTANCE
+34 662 512 331
This number is for urgent festival-related assistance.
For a medical, police or fire emergency, call 112 first.
IF YOUR PASSPORT IS LOST OR STOLEN
-
Report the loss or theft to local police.
-
Contact your country's embassy or consulate.
-
Contact your airline if the problem may affect your return journey.
UNITED STATES
U.S. Consulate General Barcelona
Passeig de la Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23
08034 Barcelona, Spain
Phone:
+34 93 280 22 27
UNITED KINGDOM
British Consulate General Barcelona
Avinguda Diagonal, 477 – 13th Floor
08036 Barcelona, Spain
Phone:
+34 91 714 6300
ITALY
Consolato Generale d'Italia a Barcellona
Carrer d'Aribau, 185
08021 Barcelona, Spain
Phone:
+34 930 338 000
INDIA
Consulate General of India – Barcelona
Torre Allianz
Carrer de Tarragona, 107–109
Barcelona, Spain
Phone:
+34 933 959 355
OTHER NATIONALITIES
If your country is not listed above, locate your country's:
Consulate in Barcelona
or
Embassy in Madrid
before traveling.
We recommend international filmmakers save their appropriate consular contact information before arriving in Spain.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FESTIVAL
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK
Do not just watch films.
Meet the people behind them.
Introduce yourself.
Tell people:
-
Your name
-
Your role
-
Your film
-
Where you are from
-
What you are working on next
Talk about:
-
Directing
-
Producing
-
Acting
-
Writing
-
Future projects
-
Collaborations
-
Distribution
-
Festivals
-
Filmmaking
Exchange contact information.
Some of the most valuable opportunities at a film festival happen between screenings.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES
During the Love & Hope International Film Festival – Barcelona 2026, guests can experience:
-
International film screenings
-
Filmmaker Q&As
-
Festival podcasts
-
Interviews
-
Workshops
-
Masterclasses
-
Networking events
-
Opening Night activities
-
Happy Hours
-
Special events
-
Red Carpet activities
-
Gala Dinner
-
Awards Ceremony
Take advantage of the entire experience.
KEY FESTIVAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 13
Welcome Event + Early Badge Collection
Toni Rovira y Tú
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
OCTOBER 14
Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Cinema Maldà
7:15 PM – 7:45 PM
Our official Opening Ceremony and traditional ribbon-cutting moment.
Opening Night After Party
Sala Manu Pérez
10:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Celebrate Opening Night with filmmakers and guests from around the world.
Festival Badge required for access.
Subject to capacity.
OCTOBER 15
LGBTQ+ Networking Night
Boys Bar BCN
10:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Carrer de la Diputació, 174
Eixample, Barcelona
Join filmmakers and guests for networking, conversation and music.
OCTOBER 16
Exclusive Happy Hour
Sala Manu Pérez
10:30 PM – 12:30 AM
An evening of networking, drinks and music.
Invite only / by list.
Festival Badge required.
OCTOBER 17
Festival Podcasts
Sala Manu Pérez
Morning festival podcast sessions with participating filmmakers.
Bridging the Second Act
Masterclass with Scott Simpson
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sala Manu Pérez
A screenwriting masterclass focused on:
-
Structure
-
Pacing
-
Character
-
Second-act challenges
Conducted in English.
Acting Through the Director's Eyes
Masterclass with Lisa Pelikan
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sala Manu Pérez
A two-hour acting and directing masterclass followed by an open Q&A.
Conducted in English.
THE LLUM AWARD
The LLUM Award represents one of the highest distinctions of the Love & Hope International Film Festival – Barcelona.
“Llum” means Light in Catalan.
Cinema begins with light.
The award represents cinema, Barcelona, achievement and the spirit of Love & Hope.
GALA DINNER & AWARDS CEREMONY
OCTOBER 17, 2026
9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
F9cs N9U Brasa Lounge
Camí del Pantà, 2
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
08017 Barcelona, Spain
The Gala is the final major celebration of the festival.
The evening includes dinner, entertainment and the official Awards Ceremony.
IMPORTANT
The Gala is a private ticketed event.
Your Festival Badge does not provide Gala access.
WINNERS ARE NEVER REVEALED IN ADVANCE
This is one of the festival's most important traditions.
Competitive winners are not informed before the Awards Ceremony.
No advance winner emails.
No advance winner notifications.
The winners are revealed during the Gala on October 17.
The announced Lifetime Achievement Award is an exception to this policy.
FESTIVAL CAPACITY & ENTRY
A Festival Badge does not guarantee a seat.
All screenings and activities are subject to:
-
Venue capacity
-
First come, first served entry
-
Event-specific rules
-
Security requirements
Please arrive early.
LATE ENTRY
Late entry may be restricted after:
-
A film has begun
-
A screening block has started
-
A masterclass has begun
-
A private activity has started
Please respect venue staff instructions.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
The festival schedule may occasionally change due to:
-
Technical issues
-
Filmmaker travel delays
-
Venue requirements
-
Operational circumstances
-
Events outside the festival's control
Always check the official schedule before leaving for a venue.
OFFICIAL 2026 SCHEDULE
https://www.lhifilmfestival.com/schedule-2026
The website schedule should always be treated as the main reference for last-minute updates.
FILMMAKER Q&As
Filmmaker Q&As are subject to time availability.
If a screening block runs late, a Q&A may:
-
Start later
-
Be shortened
-
Be cancelled
Filmmakers wishing to participate should identify themselves to the festival team before their screening whenever possible.
TECHNICAL DISCLAIMER
Although the festival and venues prepare and test screenings carefully, technical interruptions can occasionally happen.
Screenings may not always begin at the exact published minute due to:
-
Technical checks
-
Previous screenings
-
Q&As
-
Venue operations
-
Unexpected delays
We appreciate your patience and cooperation.
FILMMAKER RESPONSIBILITY
Filmmakers are responsible for:
-
Knowing their screening date
-
Knowing their screening time
-
Knowing their venue
-
Arriving early
-
Presenting the correct badge or ticket
-
Identifying themselves to festival staff when necessary
The festival cannot be responsible for missed screenings caused by late arrival or going to the wrong venue.
EVENT ACCESS
Festival events have different access rules.
Some events are:
-
Festival Badge access
-
Invite only
-
By guest list
-
Ticketed separately
-
Age restricted
Your Festival Badge does not override:
-
Invitation lists
-
Private-event rules
-
Age restrictions
-
Gala ticket requirements
-
Venue security decisions
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Some screenings or events may contain age restrictions.
An 18+ restriction remains valid even if you hold a Festival Badge.
Festival access credentials do not override applicable age or venue restrictions.
TRANSPORT RESPONSIBILITY
Guests are responsible for planning transportation between festival venues.
The festival cannot be responsible for missed screenings or events resulting from:
-
Metro delays
-
Traffic
-
Taxi delays
-
Walking time
-
Incorrect directions
-
Going to the wrong venue
Please plan ahead.
PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA
Festival screenings, networking events, red carpets, masterclasses and other activities may be photographed or filmed as part of official festival media coverage.
By attending public festival activities, guests should be aware that they may appear in festival photographs or video coverage.
If you have a specific concern, please speak directly with the festival media or organizational team.
OUR STATEMENT FOR PARTICIPATING FILMMAKERS
LOVE & HOPE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – BARCELONA
The Love & Hope International Film Festival – Barcelona (L'HIFF) is committed to allowing attendees to experience the festival free of harassment, racism, discrimination, sexism and threatening or disrespectful behavior.
The festival reserves the right to revoke, without notice or refund, credentials or access to festival events and venues for anyone who engages in such conduct.
We want filmmakers, artists, guests, staff and partners to experience the festival in a professional, welcoming and respectful environment.
FESTIVAL CONTACT
Urgent Festival Assistance
+34 662 512 331
Police / Ambulance / Fire
112
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
https://www.lhifilmfestival.com/
OFFICIAL 2026 SCHEDULE
https://www.lhifilmfestival.com/schedule-2026
2026 NOMINATIONS
https://www.lhifilmfestival.com/nominations-2026
FESTIVAL TICKETS
https://filmfreeway.com/LHIFFESTIVAL/tickets
OFFICIAL HOTEL BOOKING
https://www.cataloniahotels.com/en/pages/lhiff-2026
Booking Code: LHIFF2026
Booking Dates: October 13–18, 2026
SCAN FOR FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Use the official QR code to access festival information directly from your phone.
We recommend saving the QR code and this page before traveling.
FINAL MESSAGE
SEE YOU IN BARCELONA
Four days.
Filmmakers from around the world.
Cinema.
Stories.
Q&As.
Networking.
Masterclasses.
Events.
The Gala.
And a new international family created in Barcelona.
Welcome to the Love & Hope International Film Festival – Barcelona 2026.
October 14–17, 2026
Cinema Without Borders, Dreams Without Limits.
