Sampietro Honored at Tenerife Film Showcase, Dedicates Award to Alterio

The Tenerife Spanish Film Showcase wrapped up on Sunday, after running in La Laguna since last Thursday. The event featured guests such as Fernando Colomo, Carlos Iglesias, Eloísa Vargas, and Mercedes Sampietro. Sampietro, who won a Goya Award for her leading role alongside Federico Luppi in Lugares comunes (2002), was honored at this fifth edition of the film festival.

Accepting her honorary award, the Barcelona-born actress dedicated it to her late colleague and friend, Héctor Alterio, who had passed away the previous Saturday after a long career together. Sampietro also spoke about her strong connection to the Canary Islands: “I am half Canarian, my husband is Canarian, and I’ve been connected to this land for almost 40 years. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know all the islands – their landscapes, their people, their customs, their food, everything. I already feel very much at home here, so it’s a great honor to receive this award,” she said.

The Tenerife Spanish Film Showcase was organized by the Charlas de Cine Cultural Association, the University of La Laguna, and ALDA Producciones. It received sponsorship from the La Laguna City Council's Department of Culture, and the regional government through the Canarian Institute of Cultural Development and Canary Islands Film. The event was held once again at Multicines Tenerife.

The guest appearances by Fernando Colomo, Carlos Iglesias, Eloísa Vargas, and Mercedes Sampietro enhanced the film screenings with lively discussions. These discussions covered themes of historical memory, comedy, and new film releases, all as part of the University of La Laguna's 'For Freedom, Spain after 1975' program.