The Fuerteventura Film Commission brought the national premiere of the feature film American Star to the island as part of the celebrations marking its 10th anniversary.

This Thursday, Fuerteventura hosted the Spanish premiere of American Star, a feature film shot entirely on the island in 2022. In the film, Fuerteventura plays a leading role thanks to its importance within the story and the unique locations featured throughout the production, including Corralejo, Playa de Garcey and Lajares.

The screening was successfully held at Yelmo Cineplex in Caleta de Fuste and was one of the flagship events included in the programme organised by the Fuerteventura Film Commission to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

Following the screening, director Gonzalo López-Gallego took part in a discussion with the audience, sharing insights and behind-the-scenes details about the production.

The event was attended by Lola García, President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, and Nereida Calero, Councillor responsible for the Fuerteventura Film Commission. Representing the Government of the Canary Islands were Migdalia Machín, Minister of Culture; Horacio Umpiérrez, Deputy Minister of Culture; and Cristóbal de la Rosa, Director General for Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries.

After its successful theatrical release in the United States and the United Kingdom, American Star is now making its Spanish debut in Fuerteventura through two special screenings. The first took place on 20 June, while the second is scheduled for 27 June. Free tickets can be reserved through ecoentradas.com.

During the premiere, Lola García reaffirmed the commitment of both the Cabildo of Fuerteventura and the Fuerteventura Film Commission to the film industry, highlighting productions that portray the island in such a distinctive way as American Star does.

“This film has generated approximately one million euros for the local economy of Fuerteventura,” García noted.

According to Nereida Calero, “Fuerteventura has welcomed major projects such as American Star and many other significant film productions, demonstrating the opportunities this industry offers for the diversification of the local economy.”

“For this reason,” she continued, “the Fuerteventura Film Commission actively supports the development of the audiovisual industry while ensuring full respect for our territory and landscapes, which are precisely what filmmakers seek when choosing a natural film location.”

The Minister of Culture of the Canary Islands, Migdalia Machín, congratulated the Fuerteventura Film Commission on its tenth anniversary and on the premiere of American Star, describing the film as “a clear example of the remarkable evolution experienced by the audiovisual industry in the Canary Islands.”

American Star is the eleventh feature film directed by Gonzalo López-Gallego, who is internationally recognised for works such as the science-fiction horror thriller Apollo 18. His career includes numerous projects as a director, screenwriter and editor, earning recognition from audiences and critics alike.

For López-Gallego, premiering American Star in Fuerteventura represents the conclusion of a journey that began seven years ago with one of his most personal projects, developed alongside screenwriter Nacho Faerna.

“It is a contemplative story that reflects on the passage of time, missed opportunities and the decisions we make throughout our lives,” he explained.

The director also revealed that the idea of incorporating the wreck of the American Star ship into the story eventually led to the decision to film in Fuerteventura.

“This gave the story much greater depth because the island itself became another character within the screenplay, influencing the decisions and emotional journey of the protagonist,” López-Gallego added.

Starring acclaimed actor Ian McShane (Deadwood, John Wick), American Star tells the story of a professional hitman undertaking his final assignment in picturesque Fuerteventura. The seasoned assassin arrives on the island to eliminate a man he has never met. However, when his target is delayed, he abandons protocol and becomes captivated by the island, its people and a mysterious shipwreck that changes the course of his journey.