Canary Islands Film Sector Thrives with International Projects

The Canary Islands are proving to be a top choice for international film and TV productions. This is thanks to their attractive tax breaks, excellent film facilities, and skilled local professionals. A recent session at the CIIF Market 2025, called "Case Study/International Productions in the Canary Islands," highlighted how much the local film industry has grown and the important part local production companies play.

Volcano Films, one of the oldest production companies in the Canary Islands with over 30 years of experience, took part in the event. They presented two examples of their work, showing how they've handled international shoots using tax incentives and also co-produced projects with local involvement. This demonstrated the significant growth and strength of the Islands' film and TV sector.

During the session, Sebastián Álvarez (CEO and producer) and Alejandro Álamo (producer), both from Volcano Films, shared two different but related examples.

Ricardo Martínez, director of the Tenerife Film Commission, led the discussion. It was a practical talk about how the Canary Islands can get involved in global film and TV production, whether by offering services or by co-producing with their own funding.

The first example was La Palma, a series made by Norwegian company Fantefilm, with Volcano Films providing production services. Filmed in 2023 on Tenerife and La Palma, the series was released on Netflix in 2024 and quickly became one of the platform's most-watched shows for several weeks.

Alejandro Álamo explained that the project began after the Tenerife Film Commission organized a location scouting trip in 2021, which several local production companies attended. Volcano Films was eventually chosen to help with the production. This project involved over 1,000 extras, 20 supporting actors, and 300 technicians, most of whom were local.

This example shows how well the film commission, tax incentives, and local companies work together. It also highlights the Canary Islands' film industry's ability to manage very complex international shoots by using local talent.

The second example was the film The Hive, a co-production between Volcano Films and the well-known German company augenschein Filmproduktion. Spanish director Martín Rosete filmed it in Tenerife during the summer of 2025. This project marks a big step for the Canary Islands' industry, moving towards international co-production and developing its own projects.

Unlike the previous service model, Volcano Films acted as an executive co-producer for The Hive. This meant they were deeply involved in funding, creative decisions, and technical aspects. The film's crew largely consisted of local professionals in important roles like cinematography, art, makeup, and costume design.

Starring Franka Potente and Sophie Cookson, the film used iconic locations in Tenerife alongside filming in Germany. This further boosts the international profile of productions connected to the Islands.

Sebastián Álvarez explained how Volcano Films got involved with The Hive. He said, "We had already completed two service productions with the same company. That trust was crucial for them to fully hand over the executive production to us. This allowed us to suggest not only technical crew but also a director and mainly Canarian professionals, acting as a bridge for this new talent. So, The Hive began as a service project and quickly became a co-production. It all happened in just a month and a half, which only happens when there's strong confidence in your technical and human abilities."

To wrap up the discussion, Guillermo Ríos, director of the CIIF Market, emphasized the importance of local talent in the growth of the film and TV industry. He praised organizations like the Canary Islands Audiovisual Cluster, the Tenerife Film Commission, and local production companies for making the Islands a place not just for filming, but also for creating new content.

This discussion was one of several activities organized by the Canary Islands International Film Market. Its goal is to raise the profile of the local film and TV sector and encourage local and international production companies to share their best practices.

The event offered a direct look at how tax incentives, teamwork between public and private sectors, and a more professional industry are making the Canary Islands one of Europe's most competitive centers for film and TV production.

The 21st Canary Islands International Film Market is taking place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife until this Friday. The event gathers producers, distributors, investors, and government officials. Their aim is to encourage co-production, investment, and to boost the international presence of film and TV projects connected to the Canary Islands.

Festeam, Comunicación y Eventos organizes the market. It is sponsored by the Cabildo de Tenerife (through its Department of Culture, Museums and Sports), the Government of the Canary Islands (through the Canarian Institute of Cultural Development, Canary Islands Film, and Proexca), and the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council (through the Development Society and Macaronesia Films). Turismo de Tenerife (through the Tenerife Film Commission) and the Canary Islands Audiovisual Cluster are among the many other collaborating organizations.