Canary Islands Environmental Film Festival Highlights Climate Action and Sustainability
The 28th Canary Islands International Environmental Film Festival in Garachico is highlighting the intersection of climate science, activism, and sustainability through a diverse program of film screenings, workshops, and awards.
The 28th Canary Islands International Environmental Film Festival (FICMEC) in Garachico has once again proven to be a vital hub for discussing the climate crisis. Organizers report that the event has grown beyond simple film screenings, becoming a key forum for sustainability and climate justice that bridges the gap between scientific research and public engagement.
A highlight of this year’s festival was the presentation of the Brote awards, which celebrate those who combine science with activism. Mónica López Moyano, head of meteorology at RTVE, received an award for her excellence in scientific communication. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized how meteorologists now play a crucial role in helping the public understand the rapid changes in our weather patterns. Researcher Sofija Stevanović, from the University of Cambridge and the Green Web Foundation, was also honored for her work protecting the digital rights and safety of environmental activists.
The festival’s weekend program focuses on hands-on experiences. The 14th Environmental Fair, located at the San Francisco gazebo, showcases sustainable and ecological products and remains open until Sunday at noon. Families can also enjoy a variety of activities, including recycling workshops, storytelling, and children’s film screenings like Arco.
The "Ecoislas" film section offers a thought-provoking look at island life, featuring five premieres—including A Food Story and Pedro Tomás explains the world—that examine the link between our environment and our identity. These screenings include post-film discussions with the directors. The festival’s official selection also features impactful documentaries, such as Lucrecia Martel’s Our Earth and David Bim’s To the West, in Zapata.
Tickets for all sessions are available via the Tickety platform. The festival will conclude with a special performance by Delokos Sinfónicos and the Garachico Musical Group. By blending scientific expertise with artistic storytelling, FICMEC continues its mission to create new ways of talking about our impact on the planet through film, debate, and community education.