Ingrid Miralles Wins Historical Memory Award at 13th Ull Nu Festival for *Merceria Lídia*

Andorran filmmaker Ingrid Miralles won the historical memory award at the 13th Ull Nu festival for her short documentary *Merceria Lídia*, which chronicles her grandmother's haberdashery shop. The Arxiu Històric Nacional prize was presented during the closing gala at the Congress Centre in Andorra la Vella.

Miralles described the honour as a complete surprise, particularly meaningful at home among loved ones. The shop served as her childhood "second home," and she learned her grandmother intended to close it. Originating as a school project, the film aimed to safeguard its legacy. "I felt the need to document the haberdashery while I had the chance for a school documentary. It ensures a permanent record, even if it changes hands," she said after collecting the award.

*Fúria*, co-directed by Barcelona's Fran Moreno and Terrassa's Santi Pujol, claimed the top short film prize, worth €1,500 from the government. The story tracks Eric, a youth in care who flees to reunite with his mother, only to discover her new life without him. It probes their affection, hindered by poor communication. Accepting on behalf of both directors, Moreno highlighted the festival's role in championing shorts and fresh talent. "These events spotlight new voices and treat short films as protagonists, not afterthoughts to features. This win provides the momentum for our next project," he noted, crediting Pujol and the actors.

Marcel Sesplugues's *El príncipe nigeriano* secured best screenplay and audience favourite. It follows Guillermo, a Tecnopiso employee eyeing Miami, who negotiates a property deal with neighbour Carme. Antoni Grañana took best editing for *Geometria bàsica de la muntanya del Montsianell*. Further awards went to Júlia Coldwell for best director (*Ningú borda*), María Martos for health reference (*La Pegaso*), Tiago Almança for youth prize (*Dança non Sancta*), and a youth jury special mention for María Lucía Suárez's *El niño de las orejas rojas*. Àgueda Sfer's *Dalia* earned an accessit in the best short category.

Co-directors Marc Camardons and Hèctor Mas deemed the edition a triumph, citing packed venues, lively street scenes and robust attendance despite a holiday bridge and behind-the-scenes logistical issues. "We've filled rooms, drawn big crowds and created an electric vibe despite the long weekend. It's been an outstanding, exhausting success," Camardons said. Mas described it as the most mature yet, praising Andorran entries like Miralles's. "Local works showed impressive quality and took prizes, filling us with pride. Spotlighting youth is key—they require these stages to present their craft, earn acclaim and advance professionally," he added.

From around 400-500 submissions—nearly 400 qualifying—the festival selected 20 shorts for screening, including five Andorran productions. Juries featured professionals Clàudia Riera, Betsy Túrnez and Ivana Miño, alongside youth members Nora Pérez, Roger Sánchez and Eric Escabías. Winners expressed gratitude to volunteers, staff and organisers, positioning Ull Nu as a critical platform for emerging filmmakers.