La Laguna Strengthens Global Film Hub Status with Cannes Partnership and Sculpture Gift
La Laguna has strengthened its position as a global film hub by receiving a commemorative sculpture from the Isla Calavera Fantastic Film Festival, celebrating the city's successful promotion at the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film.
La Laguna is strengthening its reputation as a hub for the film industry following a special presentation by the Isla Calavera Canary Islands Fantastic Film Festival. The festival organizers recently gifted a unique sculpture to the local council, marking the success of a partnership that has helped promote the Tenerife municipality at the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film—a key global stage for the audiovisual sector.
The sculpture was created by Colin Arthur, a renowned specialist in visual effects and animatronics who was honored at the festival’s first edition. Only two replicas of this trophy exist: one is now part of a permanent exhibition at the Fantastic Pavilion in Cannes, and the second has been added to La Laguna’s municipal collection.
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez noted that receiving the piece highlights the city’s ongoing strategy to connect its status as a World Heritage site with modern cultural creativity. This milestone comes as the festival prepares for its tenth edition, running from November 6 to 15, further establishing the event as a major draw for tourism and culture beyond the Canary Islands.
La Laguna’s involvement in Cannes demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships in film. By showcasing a symbol of its festival at the Marché du Film, the city is not only boosting the prestige of its own event but also positioning itself as a key player in the international network of fantastic film festivals—a genre that continues to be a powerful tool for attracting and engaging audiences.