Activities will include exhibitions, publications, innovative training courses and the Fuerteventura premiere of the film “American Star.”
The Fuerteventura Film Commission is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a programme of special activities taking place throughout the year. The programme was presented by Lola García, President of the Island Council of Fuerteventura, and Nereida Calero, Councillor responsible for the Fuerteventura Film Commission, alongside Gonzalo López-Gallego, director of American Star, a feature film shot entirely on the island.
Lola García highlighted that “ten years ago, in May 2014, the Island Council decided to create an organisation dedicated to consolidating the film industry as one of the island’s key economic drivers. We will celebrate this milestone with a programme of events that recognises production companies, filmmakers, unique locations and the professionals who make Fuerteventura a true film destination.”
Over the past decade, “Fuerteventura has hosted more than one hundred productions, including feature films and advertising campaigns, demonstrating its potential as a filming location thanks to its landscapes and the dedication of our local production companies. I would like to thank everyone who supports and promotes this economic sector and reaffirm the Island Council’s commitment to the development of audiovisual projects,” García added.
As part of the anniversary programme, Fuerteventura will host the Spanish premiere of American Star on 20 June. The film, shot entirely on the island, was released in the United States and the United Kingdom in January 2024 to excellent reviews. According to director Gonzalo López-Gallego, “Fuerteventura became another character within the story, giving greater depth and significance to the screenplay. This personal project reflects on the passage of time and the decisions we make throughout our lives.”
Nereida Calero emphasised that “we could not let this tenth anniversary pass without recognising the role of the Fuerteventura Film Commission and all those who have been part of this journey. We acknowledge the contribution of production companies, industry professionals, associations, businesses and local residents who have made these projects possible while maintaining a meticulous respect for the environment.”
Calero also noted that “training remains one of the core objectives of the Fuerteventura Film Commission. New courses will be introduced, including screenwriting workshops, assistant director training and sustainable production assistant programmes, alongside established courses such as production assistant training, make-up and hairdressing for audiovisual productions.”
Another major initiative is a travelling exhibition created to commemorate the Film Commission’s tenth anniversary. The exhibition will feature previously unseen photographs from productions filmed on the island and will open on 16 September at the Juan Ismael Art Centre in Puerto del Rosario.
In addition, the Fuerteventura Film Commission will publish a book showcasing the island’s unique qualities and serving as a promotional tool to attract future film productions. A sustainability guide for audiovisual productions in Fuerteventura will also be developed, helping to balance environmental conservation with the continued growth of the industry.
This year, Fuerteventura will participate for the third time in the educational film festival CINEDFEST, breaking participation records with around 400 students, and will host its final gala on 17 June. The island will also resume its participation in Notodofilmfest, encouraging audiovisual creativity while promoting Fuerteventura as a filming location.
A Natural Film Set
Fuerteventura enjoys more than 4,000 hours of sunshine per year and an average annual temperature of 20°C. The island is connected to more than seventy major European capitals and cities, with an airport handling over five million passengers annually and a wide range of accommodation options. These conditions make it an ideal destination for film productions.
Over the last ten years, the island has hosted major Hollywood productions such as Solo: A Star Wars Story, Marvel’s Eternals, and Wonder Woman 1984. National productions include The Lighthouse of the Orcas and the HBO Spain series 30 Coins by Álex de la Iglesia, while regional productions include The Traveller, Rendir los Machos, and The Fight by José Alayón, filmed on the island earlier this year.
