Fuerteventura Film Commission Celebrates Local Talent at IsLABentura
The Fuerteventura Film Commission recently congratulated two rising stars in the screenwriting scene, Yaiza Berrocal and Gracia Solera, for their impressive scripts set against the stunning backdrop of Fuerteventura. These scripts were developed through the IsLABentura project, a unique script laboratory that focuses on stories and locations in the Canary Islands.
A Night of Recognition in La Palma
This year’s awards ceremony took place in the picturesque Llanos de Aridane, La Palma, under the open sky of the Antonio Gómez Felipe Park. The event was brimming with excitement as both Berrocal and Solera were joined by Nereida Calero, the Local Councilor for the Fuerteventura Film Commission, and the General Director of Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries. Their presence added prestige to the gala, highlighting the importance of fostering local talent in the film industry.
A Continued Commitment to Fuerteventura’s Film Scene
This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Fuerteventura Cabildo has partnered with IsLABentura, an initiative organized by Canary Islands Films. The collaboration emphasizes the island’s significance as a key player in the audiovisual landscape. The project not only boosts local talent but also showcases Fuerteventura as a captivating setting for creative storytelling. As part of their research process, Berrocal and Solera traveled to Fuerteventura to gather inspiration and insights, benefiting from guidance provided by the Fuerteventura Film Commission.
Award-Winning Scripts with Unique Narratives
Yaiza Berrocal’s script, Isla de Lobos, won the award for Best Feature Script. This thriller-drama centers around a team of soldiers stationed on Lobos Island, tasked with fending off a looming invasion threat. The engaging narrative and compelling characters reflect Berrocal’s keen storytelling abilities. Her work was mentored by Marta Buchaca, known for her contributions to films such as Fenómenas, further enhancing the script’s development. Buchaca’s presence at the awards added to the significance of Berrocal’s achievement.
On the other hand, Gracia Solera’s creation, Siempreviva, takes a different, yet equally captivating approach. Her script revolves around a family that makes a living by conducting post-mortem portraits, blending elements of a quirky road movie with family dynamics. Solera’s work received guidance from Pablo Bartolomé, known for his work on the popular series HIT, enriching her narrative style and depth.
Showcasing Talent and Creativity
Nereida Calero expressed pride in the high caliber of submissions this year, noting that the scripts displayed remarkable talent and creativity within the industry. The works not only reflect the skills of their creators but also serve to position Fuerteventura as a source of inspiration for compelling stories set in its beautiful locales.
A Hub for Screenwriting Development
In a significant development for the local film industry, Fuerteventura was chosen as the kickoff point for this year’s IsLABentura, which included a significant meeting in Puerto del Rosario in April. This gathering brought together participants and a respected team of experts for workshops aimed at improving scriptwriting skills. The series of formative workshops further solidified Fuerteventura’s role as an incubator for creative thinking in screenwriting.
With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Fuerteventura not only offers a visually striking setting for storytelling but is also becoming increasingly recognized as a nurturing ground for the next generation of filmmakers. The ongoing collaboration with IsLABentura and the recognition of local talents like Berrocal and Solera are steps towards a vibrant future for the island’s film sector.
