The CutreCon Festival in Madrid has once again proven that even the most absurd films can bring people together and create new cultural traditions. For Spaniards, this is more than just entertainment—it’s a way to see cinema from a different perspective, where failure becomes a source of laughter and a shared experience. In an era when artificial intelligence increasingly influences creativity, it is precisely human imperfection and spontaneity that become the true strengths of such events.
An atmosphere of madness
This year, CutreCon brought together several thousand fans of unconventional cinema. The halls were packed, and tickets sold out in advance. Organizers selected films for screening that are hard to call masterpieces: an Indian ‘Stallone,’ a Pakistani action film, a Turkish ‘Rambo,’ and, of course, the legendary ‘Ninja Terminator.’ Each screening turned into a real show—the audience didn’t just watch; they actively took part, shouting out lines, laughing, and even applauding the most absurd scenes.
A special place was given to films where the plot gets lost in a flurry of explosions, chases, and bizarre characters. On screen were latex monsters, clumsy zombies, robots with VHS tapes, and heroes far from the usual standards. At CutreCon, silence is not the norm: shouting, jokes, and even good-natured mockery of what’s happening are encouraged. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a punk concert, where the energy in the room matters more than the action on stage.
The phenomenon of audience unity
CutreCon audiences are a special breed of film enthusiasts. Many arrive in costumes, prepare jokes in advance, and even take part in festival rituals. For example, if someone leaves the auditorium before the film ends, they’re immediately called a ‘coward,’ and empty beer cans pile up by the seats, later carefully cleaned away. Here, the cult of collective experience reigns—laughter, surprise, and even slight irritation become part of the celebration.
The organizers admit it all started as a joke among friends, but quickly grew into a major event. Each year sees more participants, new award categories, and even international guests. The festival has become a place where failure and flop are transformed into sources of joy and inspiration. Many films that would otherwise be forgotten find a second life here and attain cult status.
The Paradox of Success
CutreCon screenings aren’t just about watching bad movies. It’s about seeking out a special pleasure in imperfection, in the mistakes and absurdities that make each film unique. Viewers don’t expect logic or high quality—in fact, the more absurd and ridiculous, the better. That’s the paradox: the worse the film, the more delight it brings the audience.
This year, special attention was drawn by the Turkish version of James Bond, where plot holes and downright bizarre characters sparked heated discussions. The repeated catchphrases of the characters first brought laughter, then applause. Each screening turned into a performance where the boundary between the screen and the audience disappeared.
The human factor
In the era of digital technology and automation, CutreCon reminds us of the value of human imperfection. There is no place here for cold calculation or flawless visuals—only genuine emotions, spontaneity, and sincere laughter. Organizers emphasize that their goal is not just to show bad movies, but to find those films that make you laugh not because that’s what the creators intended, but in spite of it. This is a special genre—an accidental comedy—where every viewer becomes a co-author of what’s happening.
The festival continues to grow, attracting more and more fans of unconventional cinema. Over five days, more than twenty screenings were held in different halls across Madrid, drawing a total audience of several thousand. CutreCon is becoming not only a gathering place for like-minded people but also a platform for rethinking the very concept of cinema.
In recent years, festivals dedicated to unconventional and failed cinema have been gaining popularity in Spain and across Europe. Such events are held in Barcelona, Valencia, and even in smaller towns, attracting audiences tired of mainstream blockbusters. In 2025, a similar festival in Barcelona drew a record number of attendees, and in Valencia, the event received a special award for its contribution to alternative filmmaking. These gatherings have become not only a cultural phenomenon but also a form of protest against the monotony of mass culture.
