Spotlight on Darwin Reina The Visionary Behind the Love & Hope International film festival

Early Life & Filmmaking Roots

Darwin Reina, born February 12, 1983, is a Spanish based actor, director, producer and festival director whose passion for the arts began early.  He launched his filmmaking journey after relocating to Barcelona at age 18 and studying drama in London.  Over the years, he has applied his love of cinema to building creative platforms that bring together filmmakers from around the world.

Founding a Festival With Purpose

Reina is the driving force behind the Love & Hope International Film Festival (L’HIFF) in Barcelona, scheduled for October 1–4, 2025, at venues such as Cinema Maldà and Comediarte Theatre.  The festival brings together emerging and established filmmakers from over 70 countries, offering screenings, master‑classes, talks, networking events, and a gala night.

A Bridge Across Cultures

Reina’s mission with L’HIFF is rooted in the belief that cinema can transcend borders and build community. In an article titled “When Cinema Becomes a Bridge: Darwin Reina Transforms Barcelona Into a Global Stage for Storytelling”, it was noted that the festival is committed to “elevating voices that mainstream festivals often overlook.”  For example, the line‑up includes feature films from Mexico, India, the U.K., and more, selected to reflect diversity of vision and origin.