Steve Buscemi Honoured as Icons & Innovators Shine at EMIFF 2025
The stars came out for the 2025 Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival
This year marks the 14th edition of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF), named by The Guardian as one of Europe’s 10 most exciting film festivals. Taking place from October 21 to 29, the festival’s motto is, Bridging Cultures – Bridging People. EMIFF brings together filmmakers, creatives and cinephiles from across the globe for nine days of screenings, conversations and unforgettable encounters.
Words by Lucy Hawkins & Photography by Aina Gomez
22/10/25
The opening night gala at the Palau de Congressos de Palma was wonderfully glamorous. Cast and crew walked the red carpet before taking their seat at the awards. EMIFF Founder and Director, Sandra Seeling Lipski, told the audience that this year they had received over 1200 film submissions.
American actor, director and filmmaker, Steve Buscemi received a standing ovation as he took to the stage to receive his Evolution Icon Award 2025. Known for his incredible performances on films and TV shows such as ‘Fargo’, ‘Reservoir Dogs’, ‘Ghost World’, ‘The Big Lebowski’ and ‘Boardwalk Empire’, Buscemi said how the industry is, “A collaboration, we need each other.” adding, “I don’t care what the administration in my country says, we need diversity, we need it for humanity.”
Buscemi stressed the importance of film festivals like Evolution, “This festival is much needed. Every few years you hear, ‘this is the death of cinema’, but what hasn’t changed is the people who want to make films and express themselves. A film festival is the only way an audience can see your film on the big screen – the way it’s supposed to be seen.”
He concluded by thanking everyone, “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
Acclaimed cinematographer, Phedon Papamichael, received the Cinematography Icon Award 2025. Over the course of his extensive career, Papamichael has become celebrated for his ability to craft visually rich and emotionally resonant images that elevate storytelling across iconic films including ‘Nebraska’, ‘Ford v Ferrari’, ‘Sideways’, ‘The Descendants’ and ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’.
Papamichael thanked the room and said, ‘The industry is changing, but they will always need real creativity.”
The Evolution New Talent Award 2025 was awarded to Spanish-Swedish actress, Ingrid Garcia-Jonsson whose impressive career is defining a new era of European cinema. Her standout performances in films such as ‘Beautiful Youth’, ‘Taxi a Gibraltar’ and ‘Veneciafrenia’ have earned her critical acclaim in Spain and internationally. This year her star continues to rise with a leading role in the highly anticipated Netflix series, ‘Superstar’.
The festivals’s opening film, Los Domingos by Alauda Ruíz de Azúa, was then presented by its cinematographer, Bet Rourich. ‘Sundays’ (the English title) premiered at the Sant Sebastián International Film Festival and won multiple prizes including the Concha d’Or, and it was obvious why. This coming-of-age family drama about a teenager contemplating convent life had the room enthralled.
The stars came out for the 2025 Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival
This year marks the 14th edition of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF), named by The Guardian as one of Europe’s 10 most exciting film festivals. Taking place from October 21 to 29, the festival’s motto is, Bridging Cultures – Bridging People. EMIFF brings together filmmakers, creatives and cinephiles from across the globe for nine days of screenings, conversations and unforgettable encounters.
Acclaimed cinematographer, Phedon Papamichael, received the Cinematography Icon Award 2025. Over the course of his extensive career, Papamichael has become celebrated for his ability to craft visually rich and emotionally resonant images that elevate storytelling across iconic films including ‘Nebraska’, ‘Ford v Ferrari’, ‘Sideways’, ‘The Descendants’ and ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’.
Papamichael thanked the room and said, ‘The industry is changing, but they will always need real creativity.”
The Evolution New Talent Award 2025 was awarded to Spanish-Swedish actress, Ingrid Garcia-Jonsson whose impressive career is defining a new era of European cinema. Her standout performances in films such as ‘Beautiful Youth’, ‘Taxi a Gibraltar’ and ‘Veneciafrenia’ have earned her critical acclaim in Spain and internationally. This year her star continues to rise with a leading role in the highly anticipated Netflix series, ‘Superstar’.
The festivals’s opening film, Los Domingos by Alauda Ruíz de Azúa, was then presented by its cinematographer, Bet Rourich. ‘Sundays’ (the English title) premiered at the Sant Sebastián International Film Festival and won multiple prizes including the Concha d’Or, and it was obvious why. This coming-of-age family drama about a teenager contemplating convent life had the room enthralled.
Expect more thought provoking films and conversations over the rest of the festival along with a strong showcase of local talent through the “Made in the Balearics” category. The Cinematography Focus returns with masterclasses and in-depth discussions led by acclaimed directors of photography, while the Screenwriting Lab gives emerging writers the chance to hone their craft with industry mentors. EMIFF’s growing commitment to inclusivity is also reflected in its Women in Leadership series, which champions female voices in film through panels and networking sessions.
Whether you come as a filmmaker seeking collaboration or simply a film lover eager to explore fresh cinematic voices, EMIFF invites you to celebrate the craft of storytelling.
Screenings are at CineCiutat, Cine Rivoli, Palau de Congressos and the Teatre Principal, see the festival’s full program at, evolutionfilmfestival.com
Expect more thought provoking films and conversations over the rest of the festival along with a strong showcase of local talent through the “Made in the Balearics” category. The Cinematography Focus returns with masterclasses and in-depth discussions led by acclaimed directors of photography, while the Screenwriting Lab gives emerging writers the chance to hone their craft with industry mentors. EMIFF’s growing commitment to inclusivity is also reflected in its Women in Leadership series, which champions female voices in film through panels and networking sessions.
Whether you come as a filmmaker seeking collaboration or simply a film lover eager to explore fresh cinematic voices, EMIFF invites you to celebrate the craft of storytelling.
Screenings are at CineCiutat, Cine Rivoli, Palau de Congressos and the Teatre Principal, see the festival’s full program at, evolutionfilmfestival.com