Canary Islands Environmental Film Festival Highlights Climate Activism and Sustainability
The 28th Canary Islands International Environmental Film Festival in Icod de los Vinos concludes this weekend with a diverse program of screenings, workshops, and the presentation of the Brote Environmental Activism Prize to Salvadoran lawyer Zenayda Serrano.
The 28th Canary Islands International Environmental Film Festival (Ficmec) is nearing its conclusion in Icod de los Vinos, continuing its role as a vital space for discussing the climate crisis and social justice.
Organizers have used the festival to spotlight international figures like Salvadoran lawyer Zenayda Serrano, this year’s recipient of the Brote Environmental Activism Prize. Known for her work defending water rights and indigenous communities against corporate interests, Serrano will discuss her career during an open dialogue this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. in the Plaza de la Pila.
The festival’s film program, which runs through Sunday, has featured several international premieres at Drago Park. Today’s schedule includes Hasta la montaña at 5:00 p.m. and Dandelion’s Odyssey at 7:30 p.m., with the latter followed by a Q&A session with director Momoko Seto. Earlier today, the documentary I Think We Begin As Light was shown as part of the "Photosynthesis" section, highlighting the festival’s focus on using film to explore sustainability.
Beyond the screenings, the festival is encouraging public involvement through initiatives like the "EcoRueda" space, led by José Víctor Fuentes, which invites attendees to create their own environmental films. Other highlights include the premiere of Jota Urondo, un cocinero impertinente this Sunday at 11:00 a.m., along with various fairs, musical performances, and workshops. Full details are available on the festival’s official website.
The festival also announced the winners of its first photography contest focused on Drago Park. María del Mar Hernández, Susana Díez, and Ingrid María Rodríguez received cash prizes ranging from 250 to 500 euros. Their winning photos, along with other finalist entries, will be on display at the venue until the festival ends. Afterward, the collection will tour local neighborhoods and fairs, thanks to a partnership between the Icod de los Vinos City Council, the public entity Icodtesa, and the festival organizers.