Tenerife’s Isla Calavera Film Festival Opens Submissions for 2026 Edition

Tenerife is further cementing its status as a key hub for the European film industry with the launch of the tenth Isla Calavera Canary Islands Fantastic Film Festival. Organizers have opened registration for the event, which will take place in San Cristóbal de La Laguna from November 6 to 15, 2026, continuing its tradition as a premier showcase for genre cinema in Spain.

Supported by the La Laguna City Council, the festival is the only major event in the Canary Islands dedicated to horror, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, and dark comedies. Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit fiction, documentary, and animated projects. Applications are open until October 1 via FilmFreeway and Festhome, where full technical requirements can be found.

The festival continues its partnership with the Méliès International Festivals Federation (MIFF). This collaboration means the winner of the Méliès d'Argent for Best European Short Film will move on to compete for the prestigious Méliès d'Or. Other awards, decided by both the jury and the audience, will recognize excellence in areas such as directing, acting, screenplay, visual effects, and costume design.

A highlight of this year’s event is the "Made in the Canary Islands" section. This non-competitive showcase celebrates films produced between 2024 and 2026 that have strong ties to the islands—whether through filming locations, the creators' residency, or the production team. Organizers see this as a vital bridge, giving regional talent an international platform while allowing these films to also compete in the festival's official categories.

The festival will begin announcing its initial lineup during pre-festival events in late April. By blending a global outlook with a deep commitment to La Laguna’s identity as a World Heritage City, the event remains a vital meeting point for the film industry.