The Paper Bear Selected for the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia

We are honored to share that The Paper Bear has been officially selected to screen at the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia — the world’s number one festival for fantastic cinema — in the Family Films category.

Founded in 1968 as the 1st International Week of Fantasy and Horror Movies, Sitges has grown into one of the most respected and influential film festivals in the world. Renowned for spotlighting innovation, imagination, and bold cinematic storytelling, it has become a landmark event for audiences and industry alike. Over the years, Sitges has welcomed some of the greatest names in film — including David Lynch, Quentin Tarantino, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Guillermo del Toro, and many more — making it a true gathering place for visionary artists who shape the future of cinema.

To see The Paper Bear join this legacy is an extraordinary honor for our team. Our film’s blend of live action and hand-drawn animation — rooted in the wild beauty of Florida’s Panhandle — represents a heartfelt exploration of connection, conservation, and rediscovering wonder through the eyes of a father and son searching for an elusive black bear.

A Celebration of Imagination and Conservation

While The Paper Bear is not a fantasy in the traditional sense, its spirit of discovery and reverence for the natural world align beautifully with Sitges’ legacy of celebrating stories that ignite imagination. The festival’s commitment to showcasing bold, genre-defying works mirrors our own desire to blend artistry, emotion, and purpose — proving that the most powerful fantasies are those grounded in truth and wonder.

A Global Stage for a Local Story

Following our recognition as a finalist at the Jackson Wild Media Awards, this selection marks another milestone in our mission to share Florida’s rich biodiversity with the world. From the forests of the Panhandle to the shores of the Mediterranean, The Paper Bear continues its journey — connecting hearts across cultures through the universal language of storytelling.

We are deeply grateful to the Sitges team for welcoming us into such an iconic lineup this year.

With gratitude,

— The Paper Bear Team