DOCanarias Marks 20th Anniversary of Regional Documentary Filmmaking
The 20th edition of the DOCanarias International Reality Film Festival celebrates two decades of fostering Canarian documentary filmmaking and establishing a distinct regional voice in the global cinema landscape.
The 20th edition of the International Reality Film Festival, DOCanarias, marks a major milestone for filmmaking in the Canary Islands. Taking place in Puerto de la Cruz from September 8 to 12, the festival is more than just a showcase; it is a celebration of two decades of local documentary production and the region’s ongoing search for a unique storytelling identity outside of mainstream commercial cinema.
This year’s program features the "D.O. Canaria" section, which includes the regional premieres of El mapa para tocarte by Mercedes Afonso and La Berma by Agustín Domínguez. More than just a screening event, the festival serves as a hub for discussing the health and future of the local film industry. Organizers have also announced plans to keep the D.O. Canaria section active throughout 2027, focusing on preserving and sharing the documentary archives built up over the last twenty years.
Since its inception, DOCanarias has acted as a catalyst for cultural growth. The team has worked hard to build audiences and support local filmmakers, helping them reach international festivals, digital platforms, and television networks—outlets that were once difficult for island-based productions to access. This support has helped directors like David Baute, Víctor Moreno, Macu Machín, Omar Razzak, Nayra Sanz, David Pantaleón, Jose Alayón, and Silvia Navarro share their unique perspectives from the Canary Islands with the rest of the world.
This anniversary highlights the value of persistence in regional culture. DOCanarias has become a form of creative resistance, transforming Canarian non-fiction from an isolated niche into a voice that can engage in global conversations. The long list of filmmakers who have participated in the festival—including Elio Quiroga, Sara Sálamo, Samuel Delgado, and Beatriz Rodríguez—demonstrates the diversity of talent that has helped build this industry. After twenty years, the festival is now focused on ensuring this legacy continues to grow.