IsLABentura Canarias Workshop Breaks Application Record
The IsLABentura Canarias program, an international screenwriting workshop, received a record 356 applications for 16 spots, highlighting the Canary Islands' growing appeal as a hub for film and TV project development.
The IsLABentura Canarias program, an international screenwriting workshop now in its fifth year, has received a record number of applications. This shows that the Canary Islands are becoming a popular place for developing film and TV projects. Organizers announced that 356 screenwriters applied for just 16 available spots, which is 77 more applications than last year.
The program is run by the regional government's Culture department, through the Canary Islands Institute of Cultural Development (ICDC) and Canary Islands Film. Its main goal is to encourage screenwriters to create films or series that are set in or relate to the islands. The call attracted Spanish-speaking professionals from many different places, with 297 applications coming from Spain (including the Canary Islands) and 59 from other countries.
Most of the projects submitted were for fiction feature films (257). There were also 79 proposals for TV fiction series and 20 animation projects, predominantly also for feature films. The applications came from a wide range of places: 109 proposals were from people living in the Canary Islands (59 from Tenerife, 49 from Gran Canaria, and 1 from Fuerteventura), showing strong local interest. From mainland Spain, 190 projects came from various regions, with Madrid (105), Andalusia (24), Catalonia (17), and the Valencian Community (16) being the most prominent. Internationally, there were 59 applications, with a significant number (43) from Latin America. Argentina led with 23 applicants, and there were also proposals from the United States and Canada.
Now that applications have closed, the selection process will begin. The 16 chosen screenwriters will be announced on March 30. Eight of these spots are specifically reserved for Canary Islands residents, highlighting the program's commitment to local talent. This year's team of mentors, who will also help select the participants, includes Sara Bamba (a producer, director, and screenwriter), Yolanda Barrasa (a script doctor and coach), and Borja Santaolalla (a film and TV director and screenwriter). Curro Royo, Gianmarco Serra, Isabel Herguera, Pablo Bartolomé, Arantxa Cuesta, and Alba Lucío are returning as mentors, bringing their experience and ensuring continuity for the training.