Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch a movie outdoors, under a starry sky, in one of the most vibrant cities in Europe? Well, think no more, because this summer, Barcelona offers you the perfect opportunity with its wonderful Pantalla Barcelona. An outdoor cinema program that promises not only entertainment, but also an enriching cultural experience over five weeks.
An open-air film festival
From June 25 to July 24, 2025, Pantalla Barcelona presents its 14th edition of Pantalla d’estiu, a film series that is part of the Barcelona Districte Cultural. You may wonder what makes it so unique? Well, it’s an initiative of the Barcelona Institute of Culture (ICUB) that seeks to bring recent cinema to the city’s neighborhoods. With a more intimate autumn edition in cultural centers and a summer one outdoors, this event is organized on 12 screens distributed throughout the 10 districts of Barcelona. So practically anywhere in the city, you can enjoy a good movie.
Landmarks, modern movies
The screenings are not held in just any places. Among the places where the sessions take place we find emblematic points of the city, such as the Plaza de Sant Felip Neri, the Parc de l’Aqüeducte and the charming Jardins de Vil-la Florida. In addition, the festival collaborates with several cultural centers, such as the CC Pati Llimona, the CC La Sedeta and the Auditori de Sant Martí, among others. So get ready, because the setting will make each session as exciting as the films themselves.
Varied and contemporary billboard
This year, the festival offers a selection of eight recent feature films produced in Catalonia. The diversity of these films could not be more fascinating. With titles like *Casa en flames* by Dani de la Orden and *El mestre que va prometre el mar* by Patrícia Font, you’ll have comedy, drama, and everything in between. Do you like humor? Then *Los buenos modales* by Marta Díaz will make you laugh as you think about family conflicts that transcend generations. On the other hand, *Los pequeños amores* by Celia Rico focuses on generational differences as seen through the warm lens of a mother-daughter relationship.
Thought-provoking films
The festival is not only entertainment, it is also a window to important social issues. *El mestre que va prometre el mar* evokes the memory of the republican master Antoni Benaiges and takes an introspective look at Franco’s repression. If you’ve ever wondered what the Spanish transition was like, David Pujol’s *Esperando a Dalí* will transport you to those times full of hope and change. And speaking of the end of an era, David Trueba’s *Saben aquell* offers a biopic about Eugenio, one of the most influential humorists of that time.
Personal and social conflicts
Self-discovery and the clash with social expectations are also themes you will find on screen. Liliana Torres’ *Mamífera* sensitively analyzes issues such as unwanted pregnancies and the decision to become a mother. Meanwhile, *Pájaros* by Pau Durà is a tragicomedy that addresses the male identity crisis, reflecting intimate portraits of men seeking to make sense of their lives.
Excitement from day one
This summer’s Pantalla Barcelona will begin on June 25 at the Plaza de la Sedeta. This date is no coincidence, as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the civic center. For those who enjoy both music and cinema, DJ Dani Kongo will delight attendees with a music session inspired by the soundtracks of the films screened, also available on Spotify throughout the cycle.
In short, Pantalla Barcelona transforms what could be a simple movie night into an unforgettable experience. From exciting films to profound looks at social issues, this festival has it all. And remember, the best entertainment is free; just bring the best company and a willing spirit to learn and enjoy.
