From October 12 to 18, cinema meets the rivers, forests, and landscapes of southern Chile once again, in the capital of the Los Ríos Region.
For one week, the Valdivia Film Festival (FICValdivia) will bring together more than 200 films, premieres, and meetups with filmmakers—an invitation to discover fresh perspectives in cinema while exploring one of the country’s most distinctive river destinations.
The 33rd edition will take over 10 venues, from movie theaters to cultural centers. Between screenings, you can stroll the riverfront promenade, explore Isla Teja, visit its markets, and marvel at the Valdivian rainforest.
FICValdivia: a key date for Latin American cinema
Photo: @ficvaldivia
The Valdivia International Film Festival was founded in 1994 and has since stood out for bringing new voices in Chilean and international cinema to the big screen. Its program brings together films from different countries, ranging from major premieres to experimental works.
In 2026, the competition features five categories: feature film, youth feature film, Latin American short film, children’s short film, and short films by Chilean students. These are joined by retrospectives, avant-garde cinema, talks, and sections for different audiences.
How much do tickets for FICValdivia 2026 cost?
Photo: @ficvaldivia
- General festival pass: 30,000 Chilean pesos (US$31), available at 33.ficvaldivia.cl.
- Student pass: $15,000 (US$16), also available online.
- Single screening ticket: $5,000 (US$5), on sale from October 12 and subject to each venue’s capacity.
- Over 60s: free entry with a national ID card.
To check purchase conditions, points of sale, and all the details on the different passes, see the official FICValdivia information.
Which films shouldn’t you miss this year?
Photo: Letterboxd
FICValdivia 2026 will bring together premieres, Chilean cinema, and new works by leading international filmmakers. The festival opens with An Incomplete Calendar, by Iranian director Sanaz Sohrabi, and closes with Motel Paraíso, by Mexico’s José Eduardo Castilla Ponce.
Among the Chilean titles, standouts include La perra, by Dominga Sotomayor; Detrás de la lluvia, by Valeria Sarmiento; and Princesa burro, by Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña. The international lineup includes films by Radu Jude, Hong Sang-soo, Angela Schanelec, and Nicolás Pereda, among others.
In addition, this edition will feature spotlights on Lisandro Alonso, Daniela Delgado Viteri, and Rose Lowder, along with screenings such as Rien que les heures, by Alberto Cavalcanti, with live musical accompaniment.
Where to stay in Valdivia during the festival
Photo: Sernatur
Valdivia offers a wide range of hotels, hostels, and cabins, with options both downtown and in nature-surrounded areas. To choose where to stay during FICValdivia, consider your itinerary, how you’ll get around, and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
- Downtown and the riverfront promenade: a practical option if you want to get around on foot, have shops and services nearby, and enjoy riverside scenery.
- Isla Teja: a residential area close to the Botanical Garden, museums, green spaces, and many of the city’s attractions.
- Niebla and the coast: an alternative for pairing the festival with beaches, heritage sites, and seascapes—though you’ll need to factor in travel times to downtown Valdivia.
To find accommodation and other tourism services with a valid registration, check the official Sernatur search tool.
How do you get to Valdivia from Santiago?
The fastest option is to fly from Santiago to Pichoy Aerodrome (ZAL), located 32 km from Valdivia. From there, you can continue into the city by taxi, bus, or transfer. You can also fly to Cañal Bajo Airport in Osorno (ZOS), about 110 km from Valdivia, followed by an approximately 1 hour 45 minute drive.
If you prefer to travel overland, you can drive along Route 5 South. From Santiago, it’s about a 9-hour trip, not including stops. The route includes tolls, so it’s best to plan ahead. Another option is an intercity bus, which takes around 11 hours to reach Valdivia’s bus terminal.
What to do in Valdivia?
Photo: @valeria_monalisa
On the other side of the Pedro de Valdivia Bridge, Isla Teja invites you to wander among the trees of Parque Saval and discover the Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in the former Anwandter Brewery. Very close by, the Universidad Austral’s Botanical Garden brings together native and exotic species along the river.
Along the riverfront promenade, the Feria Fluvial is one of the city’s iconic sights, and from Schuster Pier you can
