Félix B. Caignet Contest, from UNEAC: For the right to create

Havana, March 13.- The Film, Radio and Television Branch of the provincial committee of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC, by its acronym in Spanish) in Santiago de Cuba announces the 16th edition of the Félix B. Caignet National Contest, which will be held from March 27 to 31, 2026, a competition framed under the motto For the Right to Create, reaffirming the commitment of the organization of the artistic vanguard to the promotion and defense of creation in the country.

The event not only constitutes a platform for creative expression, but will also have a profound commemorative meaning. On this occasion, it will be dedicated to the Centennial of the Birth of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, an emblematic figure and undisputed promoter of Cuban culture and UNEAC. The relationship between the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution and culture is undeniable; his vision fostered unprecedented development in the fields of arts and literature, promoting a rich and diverse national identity. Therefore, this competition becomes a tribute to his legacy and his impetus to artistic creation in the different cultural areas of the country.

In addition to paying tribute to Fidel Castro, the contest also recognizes the legacy of the notable writer from Santiago, José SolerPuig. This year marks the 110th anniversary of his birth and the 30th anniversary of his death, and his figure will be celebrated for his contribution to the Cuban literary universe. Winner of the Casa de las Américas Prize in the novel genre, he was a prominent scriptwriter for radio and television in Santiago. His work has left an indelible mark on Cuban narrative, and its recognition in the contest highlights the importance of preserving and valuing the cultural memory of our great authors.

The Félix B. Caignet National Contest is a space that promotes creation and innovation, bringing artists and creators from various disciplines to a stage where they can share their works and thoughts. This year's edition not only seeks to reward the originality and quality of the proposals, but also aims to address issues of vital relevance in the current context. In this sense, the theoretical area of the event will revolve around the topic Current Opportunities for the Media in the Scenario of Creative Cultural Industries, an approach that becomes especially relevant in an increasingly digitalized world, where the media plays a fundamental role in the dissemination and promotion of culture.

The development of creative cultural industries not only provides economic opportunities, but also allows for a greater diversity of voices and narratives in the media landscape. The ability to adapt to new technologies and platforms will allow content creators to use innovative tools to reach wider audiences, a premise that invites participants to reflect on the role played by the media in the construction of cultural narratives and in the promotion of local identities.

Those interested in participating in this contest may submit works in different categories, including, but not limited to, scripts for film and television, short stories, novels, and audiovisual productions. Works must be original and unpublished, and proposals that address themes related to Cuban identity, history, and culture of the nation will be accepted.

The jury will be composed of renowned professionals from the cultural and artistic fields, who will evaluate the works based on criteria such as originality, technical quality, and thematic relevance. Prizes are planned for each category, as well as special mentions for those works that excel in different aspects.

The awards ceremony will take place within the framework of the event, where in addition to the presentation of awards, cultural activities, conferences and workshops led by experts in different areas of artistic creation will be held. This will generate spaces for dialogue and reflection on the role of culture in contemporary society, inviting the active participation of all those involved in the creative process.

The 16th edition of the Félix B. Caignet National Contest will be more than a competition; it will become a meeting point for artists, writers, filmmakers and the general public. In times when culture faces new challenges, it is essential to foster spaces where artistic work in the country can be discussed and made visible, as well as new forms of creation and dissemination that arise in the digital environment.

UNEAC, under the leadership of prominent artists and academics, has worked tirelessly to strengthen the link between culture and society, promoting initiatives that promote art as a driver of social change. In this sense, the celebration of the contest becomes an act of cultural resistance, an affirmation that artistic creation remains a fundamental right in the exercise of freedom of expression.

The 17th edition of this contest in Santiago de Cuba, which will take place from March 27 to 31, 2026, is an event that invites reflection on the importance of artistic creation in Cuban society. Commemorating the Centennial of the Birth of Fidel Castro and paying tribute to José SolerPuig are gestures that elevate the relevance of the contest in the country's cultural panorama.

This scenario enhances opportunities for creators, and it is essential that the artistic and academic world continues to work together to strengthen the foundations of a rich and diverse culture. UNEAC, through this contest, reiterates its commitment.

RULES:

1- Creators of Film, Radio and Television from all over the country who wish to participate may do so, whether or not they are members of UNEAC, with the best works broadcast from April 1, 2025 to February 20, 2026.

2- Creators may participate with one (1) work per category.

3- All works submitted must be accompanied by the corresponding script. If this requirement is not met, the work will not be accepted by the Reception Committee. Applicants must specify in which category and/or specialty they wish to compete, a clear and legible home address, Identity Card, and contact telephone number(s). (Registrationform).

4- The Executive of the Film, Radio and Television Creators Branch of Santiago de Cuba will designate a MIXED and SINGLE jury to evaluate the works of the Contest.

5- The categories in competition and the specialties will be recognized with a Diploma, as well as the Mentions considered by the Jury, whose decision will be irrevocable.

6- A Cash Prize will be awarded to the work deserving of the Félix B. Caignet Grand Prize. Also for BEST DIRECTION of both Radio and Television programs.

7- The Organizing Committee will present the José SolerPuig (for Best Radio Serial Script) and Rolando González (for Best Television Documentary) Honorary Awards.

8- Serialized programs must send three (3) episodes as a sample: beginning, development and end.

9- This call for entries will be open until February 20, 2026. Submitters should send their works Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.to: Office of Associations, Provincial Committee of the UNEAC, Heredia Street No. 266, between Carnicería and San Félix Streets, Postal Code 90100, Santiago de Cuba.

10- For Radio, works in MP3 digital format (Audio CD or Data CD) are accepted. For Television, works in MP4 format (on DVD support) will be received.

11- Works sent through digital platforms (OneDrive, Google Drive, Tera Box, Mega, among others) or through the Contest's Telegram channel are accepted. Please ensure that the files do not exceed 2Gb in size.

This is the link to the contest's Telegram channel: https://t.me/+siTv53Wsl71hOGEx

For more details or to clarify any questions, contact the Provincial Committee's Associations Secretariat at telephone number 22-653465, and ask for Andy Fernández. You can also send your queries to the emails prom.santiago@uneac.co.cu and uneacstgo@gmail.com.

Please make sure to mention Félix B. Caignet Contest 2026 in the email subject line.
Categories in competition

TELEVISION

Best Documentary
Best cultural program
Best children's program
Best music video
Best traditional screen program proposal with Version on digital platforms

The Jury will recognize specialties such as Script, Direction, Direction of Photography, Art Direction, Editing, and Female and Male Acting.

RADIO

Best Cuban Serial
Best Dramatized Serial Program
Best Dramatized One-off Program
Best Dramatized Children's Program
Best traditional format project with Version on Digital Platforms

The Jury will recognize specialties such as Script, Direction, Musicalization, Sound Production, Manual Effects, Announcing, and both Male and Female Acting. (Text and photo: Trabajadores Digital)