Canary Islands closed a strong run of international recognitions and releases, with titles backed by local companies gaining festival slots, awards and new distribution.
La lucha, the new feature by José Alayón, shot entirely in Fuerteventura that steps inside lucha canaria through Miguel and his daughter Mariana, tracing grief, generational handover and shared identity with a non-professional cast drawn from the sport itself. Written by Marina Alberti and Samuel M. Delgado, with cinematography by Mauro Herce and editing by Emma Tusell, the title was produced by El Viaje Films (Canaries) and Blond Indian Films (Colombia) and had its national premier at San Sebastian Film Festival.
Ameba, directed by Siyou Tan, entered the Discovery section at the Toronto International Film Festival. The project includes Canarian participation through Mararía Films alongside partners in Singapore, the Netherlands, France and Korea, and was supported by the regional minority co-production line.
Magallanes, directed by Lav Díaz and starring Gael García Bernal, was selected by the Philippines as its Oscar entry for International Feature after a world premiere in Cannes and just won the Espiga de Oro at Seminci. Canarian company El Viaje Films joined as a minority co-producer, thanks to the regional fund, alongside Rosa Filmes, Andergraun Films and LibFilms Paris.
Arcane continued its awards trajectory with another International Emmy for Best Animated Programme and three Creative Arts Emmys for Background and Colour Design, Sound Editing and Achievement in Animation. The series is produced by Fortiche with Riot Games, with Fortiche operating from a Gran Canaria base within the Canary Islands Special Zone since 2020.
Weiss & Morales, co-produced by RTVE, ZDF, Portocabo, Nadcon and ZDF Studios, and shot entirely in Gran Canaria and La Gomera, was acquired by Italy’s Rai2. Led by Miguel Ángel Silvestre and Katia Fellin, the series filmed across 18 of Gran Canaria’s 21 municipalities.
Heidi: The Lynx Rescue opened in cinemas on 22 August, delivered by Tenerife-based studio 3Doubles Producciones. More than thirty local professionals brought the animated feature to screen, strengthening the islands’ track record in international animation.
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