A Night of Cinema Under the Stars

The Filmoteca d’Estiu 2026 bids farewell to its most refreshing edition with El Agua, the acclaimed debut feature by Valencian director Elena López Riera. The screening, scheduled for 29 August at 22:30, will be the perfect closing act for a summer of open-air cinema in the Jardines del Palau de la Música, nestled alongside the Turia riverbed. Running for 104 minutes, this film—a co-production between Spain, Switzerland, and France—explores the relationship between water, identity, and folk myths through a poetic and visually striking narrative.

Synopsis and Context

El Agua follows a young woman in a village in southeastern Spain, where storms unleash family tensions and ancestral prophecies. Premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival (in the Un Certain Regard section), the film has been praised for its lyrical cinematography and its portrayal of rural Spain. López Riera, born in Orihuela, makes her debut with a work that engages with the Valencian landscape, making this screening in Valencia a symbolic homecoming.

Practical Details

When: 29 August 2026, 22:30 (box office and bar open at 21:30).
Where: Jardines del Palau de la Música (Section XI of the Turia Gardens, Valencia).
Price: Free (open seating until capacity is reached).
Format: Original version (Spanish) with Valencian subtitles.
Recommendations: Bring a folding chair or blanket for comfort. The event will be cancelled in case of rain.

How to Get There

By Public Transport

The Filmoteca d’Estiu is well connected:

EMT Bus: Stops Albereda - Palau de la Música (routes 94, 100 m away) or Jacinto Benavente - Pont Angel Custodi (routes 24, 25, 95, 110 m away). Check schedules and routes here.
Metro/Tram: Stations Amado Granell - Montolivet or Russafa (Line 10, 750 m away).
Valenbisi: Stations Salamanca - Reina Doña Germana (212 m) or Alameda - Pintor Monleón (220 m). More info in our bike guide.

By Car

Nearby Parking: Parking Conde Altea - Salamanca - Canovas (505 m away), with spaces available on C/ Altea, Pl. Canovas, and surrounding areas.
Zone: Vehicle access around the Palau de la Música is restricted during the event. It is advisable to park in advance.

The A River of Cinema Cycle

El Agua is part of the A River of Cinema cycle, which has explored the symbolism of water in film throughout July and August. From classics like The Night of the Hunter to contemporary gems, the programme has turned the Turia into a unique cinematic stage. The closing screening reinforces this theme, ending the cycle with a film that celebrates the liquid essence of Valencia.

Tips for Enjoying the Evening

Arrive Early: Seats (or the grass) are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. By 21:30, queues usually form.
Picnic: The venue’s bar offers drinks and snacks, but you can also bring your own dinner (avoid glass containers).
Sun Protection: Though the screening is at night, summer heat may linger. Bring a cap and water.
Atmosphere: The event attracts film lovers and families alike. It’s a chance to enjoy cinema as a community, with the sound of palm trees and the murmur of the Turia in the background.