The Government of the Canary Islands has announced the third edition of IsLABentura Canarias, the screenwriting laboratory for films and television series focused on stories connected to the islands. In this edition, at least half of the 14 available places will be reserved for screenwriters residing in the Canary Islands, further strengthening local participation. In addition, the programme is expanding its international outreach, particularly in Latin America.
Cristóbal de la Rosa, Director General of Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries, highlighted the importance of IsLABentura in supporting the audiovisual sector from the very earliest stages of creation. The programme focuses on the development of audiovisual projects originating in the Canary Islands, showcasing local stories and making use of locations throughout the archipelago.
Organised by the Directorate General of Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries of the Canary Islands Government, the call is aimed at screenwriters from around the world interested in developing fiction screenplays based on the islands. Proposals may be submitted in Spanish, and applications will remain open until 23 February. Strong participation is expected, considering that previous editions received an average of 200 submissions.
Partners and Awards
IsLABentura is supported by a range of local, national and international organisations, with particular emphasis on DAMA (Audiovisual Media Authors’ Rights Society) and its headquarters in Madrid. Other key partners include Movistar+, the Association of Women Filmmakers and Audiovisual Media Professionals (CIMA), Music Library, Filmarket Hub, among others.
The team of tutors for this edition includes several new faces, with the exception of Diana Rojo (screenwriter of Luimelia and Amar es para siempre). The mentoring team also features renowned professionals such as Joaquín Oristrell, Yolanda García Serrano, Pepe Coira, David Muñoz, Marta Buchaca and Isa Sánchez.
Participation and Training
The call is open to screenwriters from around the world wishing to develop fiction screenplays inspired by the Canary Islands, written in Spanish and developed over a six-month period. The selection process will include at least three meetings in the Canary Islands, specialised training sessions, and the opportunity to pitch projects to leading production companies.
In addition, participants will have access to training workshops covering various aspects of screenwriting, including script analysis, adapting locations and territories into storytelling, directing actors, experiential creation, music for screenwriting, and screenplay sales negotiation.
Environmental Commitment
IsLABentura will continue its symbolic environmental initiative to offset its carbon footprint by planting trees and endemic species in collaboration with the Foresta Foundation in Tenerife.
IsLABentura Canarias stands out as a key initiative of the Government of the Canary Islands to promote the cultural and creative development of the region, strengthening the audiovisual industry from the earliest stages of project creation.