CIMASUB, 50 years of shared history: a tribute to those who made it possible

CIMASUB is celebrating its 50th anniversary and wants to use this very special edition to recognize some of the people who made it possible for the festival to reach this milestone. For this reason, this year we will pay a special tribute to the veterans of the Real Sociedad Underwater Activities Section—colleagues who, for decades, selflessly contributed to the organization and running of the festival.

The San Sebastián International Underwater Film Festival was founded in 1975 by a group of people from the Real Sociedad Underwater Activities Section who wanted to share the beauty of the underwater world with the public. That first initiative, which began with limited resources but great enthusiasm, grew over the years to become the festival we know today.

Over the past half-century, cameras, filming techniques, and formats have changed, as have many of the people who have been part of the festival. But one thing has remained constant: the work of those who, year after year, were behind the screenings and the organization, ensuring that CIMASUB could continue.

Among them, Francisco Pizarro—Paco—holds a very special place as the founder of CIMASUB and one of the key figures in the festival’s early decades. Paco, who is no longer with us, was closely tied to the growth and development of the event, leaving an indelible mark on its history.

Alongside him, many other veterans also played a key role in this journey. People who, through their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment, helped build what CIMASUB is today: Regina González (widow of Paco Pizarro); Javier Herrero and Mª Jesús Aristeguieta; Arantxa Urtiaga (widow of José R. Viles); Alfredo Kauffman and Puri Moreno; Jesús Insausti and Arantza Zubizarreta; Borja Inza and Itxiar Arratibel; Jesús Casal and Consuelo Jaurrieta; Nano Cordovilla and Elena Gallego; Jesús Castillo and Montse Rodríguez; Patxi Díaz and Ione Fernández; and Juanma Cousillas.

All of them contributed, in one way or another, to keeping the festival alive during its early decades. Hours of work, collaboration, and many tasks that aren’t always visible, but which are essential for an event like CIMASUB to succeed.

Above all, this tribute is meant to be a recognition of that work and of all the people who have taken up the torch over the years. Because the history of CIMASUB cannot be told solely through the films screened, the photographers and filmmakers who have participated, or the awards presented. It is also told through the people behind the scenes who made it possible for the festival to continue growing.

Fifty years after that first screening, CIMASUB continues to bring the underwater world to thousands of people and to help new generations discover the richness of our oceans.

On this 50th anniversary, CIMASUB wants to look to the future without forgetting those who made its past possible. And this year, the applause will be for them: our veterans from Subacuáticas Real Sociedad.