ICEX finances 40,000€ mission for audiovisual buyers in San Sebastián 2026

Key data

Spanish audiovisual sector companies have a concrete opportunity to meet with international investors and buyers at no acquisition cost: ICEX assumes the expense of bringing those profiles to Spain. The agreement signed between ICEX Spain Export and Investment and the International Film Festival of Donostia-San Sebastián, SA, published on June 24, 2026 in the BOE (BOE-A-2026-13735), articulates this reverse mission under the commercial name «Spanish Screenings: Financing & Tech».

What does this regulation establish?

The agreement defines a reverse mission model: instead of Spanish companies traveling abroad, international buyers and investors travel to Spain. ICEX finances that travel.

Responsibilities are divided as follows between the two signatory parties:

The selection of Spanish companies and professionals participating in the event will be governed by the principles of publicity, transparency, equality, and competition. This means there will be an open process: it is not a closed or discretionary invitation.

The profile of international buyers being sought is primarily North American, although the agreement does not exclude other markets. The stated objective is to connect those investors with talent and Spanish companies in the audiovisual sector.

Economic and operational impact

For Spanish audiovisual sector companies, the value of this initiative is not a direct subsidy—ICEX does not pay them directly—but rather facilitated access to high-profile international buyers without incurring prospecting costs or traveling abroad.

The 40,000€ that ICEX contributes is used entirely to cover travel and accommodation expenses for international participants. This is equivalent to ICEX assuming the acquisition and travel costs for those profiles, which otherwise Spanish production companies or distributors would have to assume individually or through participation in international markets (MIPCOM, AFM, Berlinale EFM, etc.).

The operational impact for participating companies translates into:

• Business meetings with North American and other international market buyers and investors in Spanish territory.
• Framework of privileged visibility: the San Sebastián Film Festival is one of Europe's most recognized film festivals, with international projection.
• Possibility of closing financing, co-production, or international distribution agreements in a high-level environment.
• Obligation to participate in the joint technical report, which implies a minimum of follow-up and results reporting.

Who does it affect?

• Spanish audiovisual production companies with projects in development, production, or available for international distribution.
• International distributors and sellers of Spanish audiovisual content.
• Audiovisual sector technology companies (the event name, «Financing & Tech», indicates that the technology aspect is explicitly included).
• Independent professionals in the sector (directors, screenwriters, executive producers) who may be selected as participants.
• Animation, documentary, and fiction companies seeking financing or international partners.

Practical example

A Spanish fiction series production company that has a project in development phase and seeks financing or a co-production agreement with a North American studio or platform can apply to the Festival's selection process to participate in «Spanish Screenings: Financing & Tech».

If selected, it will have access to in-person meetings with international buyers and investors during September 18-26, 2026 in San Sebastián. ICEX will have covered the travel and accommodation expenses of those buyers (capped at 40,000€ in total for all international participants), so the Spanish production company does not assume that cost. The selection process is public and based on competition, so any company in the sector can apply as long as it meets the criteria established by the Festival.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your company fits the profile: production companies, distributors, audiovisual tech companies, or sector professionals with projects relevant to international investors, especially North American ones.
2. Contact the International Film Festival of Donostia-San Sebastián: it is the body responsible for selecting Spanish participants. As it is governed by principles of publicity and competition, it must publish participation conditions. Monitor its website and official channels.
3. Prepare your project dossier: have ready a pitch deck or executive dossier in English with key project information (synopsis, budget, production status, financing or distribution needs).
4. Block the dates on your calendar: the festival takes place from September 18-26, 2026. Block those dates if you intend to participate.
5. Follow ICEX calls: although selection management falls to the Festival, ICEX may publish additional information about the process through its channels (icex.es).

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is purely informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-13735