Goya Win for SIGNEMA's Sorda Validates Festival's Talent Spotting

Quim Barceló, organiser of the SIGNEMA International Sign Language Film Festival and co-founder of Parl'APP, has hailed the recent Goya Award win for the short film *Sorda* as validation of the event's early recognition of emerging talent.

The film, directed by Nuria Muñoz and Abuli, swept three prizes at SIGNEMA's debut Andorran edition in Ordino in 2023: best actress, best direction, and best short film. Out of six awards available, this success underscored the festival's eye for quality ahead of Spain's top film honours. Last month, *Sorda* claimed the Goya for best short film, with Muñoz accepting the SIGNEMA award on behalf of the team during their visit to the Principality.

Barceló described the achievement as deeply affirming. "The sensations are very good. It was already a huge success in 2023 when they came to the Auditori Nacional," he said, recalling the silent applause of waving hands that filled the venue. Muñoz had confided in him during the festival about plans to expand the story—a deaf mother's daily life with a hearing partner—into a feature film, spurred by the positive audience response. The full-length version allows for a more detailed portrayal of their realities, making elements only hinted at in the short far more vivid.

The Goya triumph is now fuelling discussions for a second SIGNEMA edition, though funding remains a major hurdle. Universal accessibility requirements—essential for sign language cinema—drive up costs significantly. "It's already difficult with financial backing; without it, it's impossible," Barceló admitted.

Beyond culture, he frames such initiatives as a national strategy for harmony and tourism. Since 2020, Parl'APP has partnered with Andorra Turisme on a "diversity label." Examples include Grandvalira's bid for the skiing world championships, which highlighted physical and sensory accessibility, and Ordino's 2024 designation as a UNESCO 'Best Tourism Village', partly due to accessible routes promoted via the app.

SIGNEMA positions Andorra as a pioneer in deaf cinema, proving it offers fresh narratives rather than niche appeal. The challenge lies in securing budgets to sustain this winning approach.