[2] The SEFF's program includes competition sections for feature films, documentaries, shorts and non-fiction along with special events such as retrospectives, screenings and public talks.
[6] In 2012, the festival art director Javier Martin Dominguez resigned,[7] he was succeeded by José Luis Cienfuegos.
[8][9] His place was given to Tito Rodriguez, but the latter took medical leave, thus just a few days before the opening of the anniversary 20th edition Manuel Cristóbal became the SEFF's new director.
It included Eurimages Euro co-production section and the Arte Channel Collection.
[7] Taking his place, the new director José Luis Cienfuegos introduced the Greece Focus section.
[11][17] In August 2023, the new municipal administration decided to postpone the 20th edition, due to be held in early November 2023, to the Spring of 2024, in order to make room for the celebration of the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.
[9] Such plans were rolled back days later, with the festival returning to a November 2023 date, but later in the month and featuring a shorter format.