Tenth AfroLatam Forum to Boost Transatlantic Film Collaboration in Canary Islands

The tenth AfroLatam Forum is set to be a landmark event for the Canary Islands' film industry. Taking place in Puerto de la Cruz from September 9th to 11th as part of the DOCanarias International Reality Film Festival, the forum aims to go beyond simple screenings. Instead, it seeks to become a strategic hub for transatlantic cooperation, connecting filmmakers from the Canary Islands, Africa, and Latin America to help them reclaim their own stories and move toward a more independent cinematic language.

The forum’s strength lies in its collaborative workshops, which bring together major figures in international film financing, distribution, and training. The "Ensamble" industry block will feature representatives from leading organizations like the IDFA Bertha Fund, Doc Society, Marea Alta, STEPS, and Firelight Media. Meanwhile, the "Germinar" panel will focus on education and talent development, featuring experts from Locarno Open Doors, Morocco’s La Ruche Documentaire, the Dominican incubator Miradas AfroIndígenas, the Senegalese Centre Yennenga, and Cuban consultant Xenia Rivery.

To support this international push, the Tenerife Film Commission has launched the "Networking Tenerife" forum. This initiative is designed to help local production companies integrate into the global market by connecting them directly with international experts. Local companies interested in joining these sessions on September 9th can register through the festival’s official website.

Ultimately, the forum highlights the rising importance of "South-South" co-productions in today’s documentary world. By connecting creative labs with funding sources, the event aims to make independent projects more financially viable while building a support network that helps creators overcome traditional barriers. It serves as a vital platform for filmmakers from outside the mainstream to gain influence and autonomy in the global film industry.