In short
The annual SOL International Film Festival has become part of Torrevieja’s cultural life — a meeting place for directors, actors, producers and audiences. It started out as the Sol Russian Film Festival, focused on Russian cinema, and over time broadened its programme and its international ties.
In 2026 the festival took place for the twelfth time. Every year brings more interesting films, new acquaintances and memorable moments: from screenings and conversations with filmmakers to the red carpet and the awards ceremony.
The “Female Gaze” and the festival’s godmother
The 12th festival ran from 9 to 12 July under the theme “Mirada femenina”, the Female Gaze: the role of women in cinema, in front of and behind the camera. The programme included fiction, documentary and animated short films.
A special place in the SOL team belongs to its godmother, the Spanish actress, director and photographer Eulalia Ramón. This year her role echoed the festival’s main theme: recognising women’s talent and their contribution to cinema.
Who makes SOL happen
Behind the festival is the association Mundo Globus de Torrevieja. Its founder is Tatiana Denisova Kaunova, its director Anna Semenova Denisova and its creative director Elizabeth Semenova Denisova.
Six years behind the camera — and a new chapter
Olga Rumyantseva has worked with the SOL International Film Festival since 2021, creating photo and video content. In 2026 she photographed the festival as its official photographer for the sixth time.
The closing ceremony also marked a new chapter: together with Irina, Olga represented her own media group, ORAI Global Media, continuing her long-standing work with the festival as part of the team.
The story continues in San Sebastián
A few months later these festival friendships continued at the 74th San Sebastián Film Festival (18–26 September 2026). There our team met Eulalia Ramón again: together with the cast and crew she presented Mikel Gurrea’s Sants / Saints, which was selected for the Official Section.
Seeing familiar faces at another festival is a special feeling. The big world of cinema comes closer: an acquaintance that began in Torrevieja carries on at a new venue, among new films and events.
The photo report — and our thanks
Olga’s full photo report from the SOL closing and awards — participants and guests, the prize-giving, the encounters and the emotions of the evening — is in part three of this series.
We thank the organisers for their trust over the years and for the chance to preserve the festival’s history in photographs.
Photos: Olga Rumyantseva (ORAI Global Media), official photographer of the SOL International Film Festival