The fifth edition of the International Educational Film Showcase (MICE Cuba) has announced its dates. The event, which will turn Cuba into a major forum for educational cinema from May 4 to 9, 2026, has officially opened its call for entries for the Audiovisual Competition Made by Children, Adolescents, and Youth.
Organized by the Cuban Institute for Cultural Research (ICIC) Juan Marinello through the UNIAL Network, MICE is supported by a broad coalition of national and international institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Cuban Film Institute (ICAIC), UNESCO, and UNICEF.
The main competition is aimed at creators up to 23 years old, who may submit works produced within the last three years in any context—educational, community-based, or individual. The guidelines establish free thematic choice, with an emphasis on topics reflecting the needs, interests, and concerns of young filmmakers.
Entries of any genre will be accepted—fiction, documentary, animation, or video art—with a maximum duration of 10 minutes. A key requirement is that children, adolescents, and young people must have actively participated in the entire creative and production process, though adult mentorship is permitted.
There are three participation categories:
- Children’s Category: up to 11 years old
- Adolescent Category: 12 to 17 years old
- Youth Category: 18 to 23 years old
Applicants may register until February 1, 2026. Submissions can be delivered in person at the ICIC Juan Marinello headquarters in Plaza de la Revolución, or digitally via WhatsApp or by email at micecuba@gmail.com.
Each entry must include a registration form, a representative frame, and, in the case of minors, authorization from a responsible adult.
Participation in the competition implies acceptance of the rules and authorization for the screening of the works during festival activities, including school screenings and other non-profit public events.
MICE Cuba 2026 thus consolidates itself as a key platform for showcasing the audiovisual creations of the youngest emerging talents in Cuban cinema, fostering film culture and critical thinking from an early age.
(Taken from Tribuna de La Habana)