# Cuban Actress Camila Arteche Wins Best Actress Award in Madrid for 'Boxeadora'

**Date:** 07/21/2026

Cuban actress Camila Arteche was named Best Actress at the 2026 Madrid International Independent Film Festival (FICIMAD) for her performance in the short film Boxeadora, directed by Oldren Ángel Romero. The film follows a woman who overcomes social and cultural barriers to pursue boxing, a sport historically dominated by men.


To prepare for the role, Arteche underwent several months of boxing training to authentically portray the character's physical and emotional demands. Boxeadora had already earned recognition on the international festival circuit, including at the Hollywood North Film Awards, where her performance was also singled out.


A graduate of Cuba's National School of Art, Arteche has built a career spanning Cuban film, theater and television, with roles in films including El acompañante and Sergio y Serguéi. The new award adds to a growing list of international honors that reflect the reach of Cuban independent cinema at festivals abroad, despite the funding and distribution challenges facing filmmakers on the island.