Canary Islands Cement Status as Global Hub for Film and TV Production

The Canary Islands are cementing their status as a key hub for European film and television production, a trend highlighted by the record-breaking fifth edition of IsLABentura. Organizers report that 356 proposals were submitted this year, proving that creators increasingly view the archipelago not just as a scenic backdrop, but as a unique narrative landscape.

Supported by the Canary Islands government, the program has officially kicked off its latest cycle. The laboratory’s proven method—which has already helped develop over 50 scripts—pairs writers with expert mentors and includes hands-on fieldwork. Following an opening session in Tenerife, the 16 selected authors will travel to the specific islands where their stories take place to conduct on-site research.

This year’s selection includes seven feature films, seven series, and two animation projects, showcasing a wide range of genres from historical thrillers and social comedies to contemporary dramas. Many of these stories are deeply rooted in the islands' unique culture and history.

The projects span the entire archipelago:

• Tenerife: Stories include the life of the nun known as "La Siervita" (Nerea Guitart), a 1940s thriller set at the Casa Amarilla (Jorge Laguna), and an animated piece on 19th-century pagan rituals (Fran Casanova).
• Gran Canaria: Projects explore LGBTQ+ themes (Raquel Herrera) and the impact of digital addiction (Antonio Rojano).
• La Gomera: Writers are focusing on the historical figure Gonsalvus (Pablo Borges), the life of author Mercedes Pinto (Laura Reviejo), and an animated horror story (Ben Manzanera).
• Fuerteventura: Selections include a comedy about emotional bonds (Cristina Naranjo) and a series centered on the island’s military history (Juan Pedro Vera Ureña).
• La Palma: Topics cover sustainable fishing (Emmanuelle Kesh) and the lives of two orchestra musicians (Isaí Escalada Galiano).
• Lanzarote: Stories focus on working conditions in the hotel industry (Pedro Ayose) and a comedy about personal growth (Marta Ambel).
• El Hierro: Projects address sexuality in later life (Sofía Martín Jiménez) and a narrative blending migration with music (Juanjo Durán Campillejo).

By connecting creative talent with the wider industry, IsLABentura helps move scripts from the development stage toward actual production. Through this initiative, the Canary Islands government continues to professionalize the local film sector, turning the islands' history and social identity into the cornerstone of its cultural industry.