Industry data and film education explain why Bilbao and the Basque Country are becoming a reference for studying cinema and audiovisuals.
Cinema in the Basque Country: a key moment for industry, talent and the future
Cinema and the audiovisual sector in the Basque Country are going through a particularly strong and meaningful period. This is not just a feeling within the industry: data, activity and international visibility confirm that audiovisual production has become a cultural, economic and creative pillar of the region.
At ECPV – The Basque Country Film School, we have been training professionals for over 14 years, many of whom are already working in the industry today. This context only reinforces a clear idea: studying film in the Basque Country makes more sense than ever.
Zineuskadi: taking Basque cinema to the world
One of the key drivers behind this growth is Zineuskadi, a public tool designed with a clear goal: to ensure that cinema made in the Basque Country travels, is seen and competes internationally.
In 2025 alone:
- 20 projects were supported during their promotion phase.
- More than 23 Basque production companies took part in international markets.
- 42 cinemas across the Basque Country collaborated in the exhibition of European and Basque-language films.
Zineuskadi is not an isolated institution, but part of a broader ecosystem that connects creation, industry and audiences, both locally and internationally.
A strong institutional commitment to the audiovisual sector
In a recent appearance before the Basque Parliament, the First Vice President and Minister of Culture and Language Policy described the audiovisual sector as a “strategic system for the country”.
This vision is backed by concrete action. The Basque Government invests around 22 million euros every year to support the entire audiovisual value chain, from creation and training to production and international distribution.
A long-term commitment based on talent, stable public policies and institutional collaboration, which largely explains the current strength of Basque cinema.
Cinema as an economic and employment driver
Beyond its cultural value, the audiovisual sector has a direct impact on the Basque economy:
- It generates 472 million euros in added value, representing 27.6% of the Basque cultural economy.
- It supports an ecosystem sustaining more than 28,500 full-time equivalent jobs.
Talking about cinema also means talking about qualified employment, creative industry and real professional opportunities.
A cinema that travels, is recognised and awarded
Basque cinema is not only produced — it is seen and recognised worldwide.
Over the past two years:
- 242 Basque productions have been selected or nominated at international film festivals.
- They have accumulated 611 participations and 410 awards.
- Basque productions have reached more than 15 million international viewers.
None of this is accidental. It is the result of a consistent, long-term strategy, where training, talent and sector support go hand in hand.
ECPV: an active part of the Basque audiovisual ecosystem
Within this context, ECPV – The Basque Country Film School is not an external observer, but an active part of the audiovisual ecosystem.
For over 14 years, ECPV has trained professionals across all areas of filmmaking:
directing, acting, screenwriting, production, sound, cinematography, editing and technical disciplines.
Many former students are now working on film sets, in production companies, festivals and audiovisual projects, both within the Basque Country and beyond.
Studying film in Bilbao: increasingly attractive from across Spain
Each year, more students who want to study film in Bilbao come to ECPV from Burgos, Cantabria, Galicia and other regions of Spain. They are looking for something very specific:
- A strong, professional audiovisual sector.
- Training connected to real industry practice.
- A creative, culturally active environment.
- And a film school embedded in the day-to-day reality of Basque cinema.
Bilbao and the Basque Country are increasingly recognised as a key destination for film education in Spain.
Would you like to be part of this moment in Basque cinema?
If you want to train in film, develop your talent and grow within a sector with real present and future opportunities, ECPV – The Basque Country Film School invites you to take the next step.
👉 Enrollment now open for the next academic year
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