IsLABentura Canarias Boosts Regional Film Industry as First Project Enters Production
The fifth edition of the IsLABentura Canarias screenwriting laboratory has reached a new milestone as the program’s collaborative training model successfully transitions local projects from development into active production.
The creative industries in the Canary Islands are reaching a new level of maturity, as shown by the success of the fifth annual IsLABentura Canarias. This screenwriting laboratory, backed by the regional government through the Canary Islands Institute of Cultural Development and Canary Islands Film, recently held its training sessions on La Gomera. This move highlights the importance of spreading technical training across all the islands, rather than keeping it centralized.
Supported by the local Cabildo and the Valle Gran Rey City Council, the program brought together sixteen selected writers and local filmmakers. Over four days, participants covered essential industry skills, including character development, drafting, rights management, and how to pitch projects—all vital for competing in today’s international market.
The program is already seeing real-world results. Filming has begun on La Cathédrale, a psychological thriller by Tenerife-based filmmaker Eduardo Cubillo and produced by Inefable Productions. This marks a major milestone for the laboratory, as a project moves from the page to production in Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
The success of IsLABentura Canarias, which operates under the General Directorate of Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries, is built on strong public-private partnerships. By bringing together the seven island councils, Proexca, and a wide range of industry organizations—including DAMA, Movistar+, and various audiovisual clusters—the initiative ensures that projects are viable. This collaborative network not only supports local creators but also strengthens the Canary Islands' reputation as a unique and professional hub for film production.