Canary Islands Environmental Film Festival Opens in Icod de los Vinos

The 28th Canary Islands International Environmental Film Festival (FICMEC) begins this Friday in Icod de los Vinos, continuing its tradition as a hub for discussing how the archipelago’s land is managed. The opening ceremony at Drago Park will feature a performance by local artist Fabiola Socas, followed by the premiere of two international films: Gianfranco Rosi’s documentary Pompeii Under the Clouds and Georgi M. Unkovski’s feature film DJ Ahmet.

This year’s festival honors Tenerife-born biologist José García Casanova with the Brote Canarias Award, recognizing his long career in both scientific research and environmental activism. García Casanova will host an open discussion at 4:00 p.m. in the Plaza de la Pila. The award celebrates his work with the Canary Islands Federation of Underwater Activities (FEDECAS) and his ongoing efforts to highlight the damage caused by human activity on the island’s ecosystem.

Ahead of the festival, García Casanova called for a serious rethink of the current development model. He warned that the islands have reached a critical point where natural habitats are being degraded and the land’s capacity to support further growth has been exceeded. He urged public institutions to take responsibility and address these trends to protect the region's future.

The festival’s film lineup explores the complex relationship between people and the environment. Pompeii Under the Clouds examines the geology and history of the area around Mount Vesuvius, while DJ Ahmet looks at the conflict between tradition and personal identity in rural North Macedonia.

Tickets for the opening ceremony are available online through the festival’s website or in person at the Casa de los Cáceres. Once again, FICMEC serves as a vital platform for ecological awareness, blending independent cinema with essential debates on sustainability and the future of the islands.