Ombudsman Investigates Guía de Isora Over Unpaid MiradasDoc Prize Money

The Guía de Isora City Council is under investigation by the Ombudsman (Diputación del Común) following reports of administrative delays that have left winners of the MiradasDoc International Documentary Film Festival unpaid for three years. Filmmakers who won awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024 are still waiting for a total of 47,500 euros in prize money.

The Ombudsman, Lola Padrón, has formally intervened after the City Council failed to respond to repeated inquiries from both the affected filmmakers and her office. She described the Council’s silence as a violation of the right to administrative protection, noting that the lack of communication has left creators in a position of legal vulnerability. Because the local government has not explained why the payments are delayed, the winners have been unable to resolve the issue or seek formal recourse.

The situation is drawing criticism from industry leaders, including filmmaker David Baute, who warn that the scandal is damaging the reputation of the Canary Islands as a host for major cultural events. Experts fear that failing to honor financial commitments to creators could undermine the festival’s long-standing status as a respected fixture in the international documentary circuit.

The outstanding debt includes 19,000 euros for each of the 2022 and 2023 festivals, plus 9,500 euros for the 2024 edition, covering various categories such as Spanish documentaries, debut films, and pitching projects. The Ombudsman has reminded the City Council that public administrations are legally required to cooperate with oversight requests. She warned that if the Council continues to ignore these inquiries, she will use further regulatory measures to ensure transparency and force the payment of the owed funds.