On September 27, the last executions of Franco's regime were carried out. These shootings had a direct impact on the Festival: as a show of condemnation, several countries withdrew their productions, and the rector of the University of Prague, who was to preside over the jury, also felt compelled to decline the invitation. The film competition managed to go ahead at the last minute thanks to films loaned by the Spanish Film Archive, and by appointing Kevin Francis to head the jury. The Critics' Award was presented for the first time, and it went to Stephen Weeks' Ghost Story, beating out Phase IV and Shivers. The jury was selected by lottery. It's first film market was also held this year. And the Festival even managed to screen The Exorcist a few days before its official premiere in Barcelona.
