Canarian Film 'La Lucha' Achieves Rare Archipelago-Wide Theatrical Success
Jose Alayón’s La Lucha has become a standout success for Canarian cinema, securing a place among the year’s top 25 most-watched Spanish films through a unique, archipelago-wide theatrical tour.
Canarian cinema is enjoying a major resurgence, proving that local films can draw big crowds even in an era dominated by streaming platforms. A prime example is La Lucha, directed by Jose Alayón, which has achieved a rare feat: a successful theatrical run across every island in the Canary archipelago. The tour, which wraps up in La Gomera on June 19, has become a standout case study for the popularity of independent cinema in Spain.
With over 9,800 tickets sold nationwide, La Lucha is currently one of the 25 most-watched Spanish films of the year—an impressive achievement given the fierce competition from hundreds of other releases. This success follows a strong international festival run, with screenings in cities ranging from San Sebastián and Buenos Aires to São Paulo and Palermo, earning praise from both critics and industry experts.
Produced by El Viaje Films with support from the ICAA, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Media program, the film explores themes of grief and identity through the lens of traditional Canarian wrestling. The story follows a father and daughter navigating a family loss, brought to life by a top-tier crew including cinematographer Mauro Herce and editor Emma Tusell.
To celebrate Canary Islands Day, a series of special screenings and Q&A sessions are scheduled for late May:
- May 28: Director Jose Alayón and stars Tomasín Padrón and Yazmina Estupiñán will visit the Municipal Theater of San Bartolomé in Lanzarote. Meanwhile, producer Jairo López and actor Cuco Doctoral will host a discussion at Yelmo Las Arenas in Gran Canaria.
- May 29: Alayón and actor Aridany Pérez will appear at Multicines Tenerife.
- May 30: The film returns to Fuerteventura, where it was shot, and La Palma, where it was edited.
Coordinated by the distributor Sideral, this rollout highlights the strong public appetite for high-quality, locally rooted stories. By working closely with local councils and town halls, the film’s distribution strategy proves that theatrical screenings remain a vital pillar of the islands' film industry.