Fuerteventura: A New Chapter in IsLABentura Canarias 2025
Fuerteventura, one of the beautiful Canary Islands, is set to be at the forefront of creativity as it serves as the launching point for the 2025 edition of IsLABentura Canarias. This international laboratory is dedicated to selecting the most innovative ideas for screenplays intended for both film and television that are related to the enchanting islands. The initial gathering with the organization and the esteemed experts involved kicks off in the capital of Fuerteventura. From there, each participant will travel to the location that inspired their story, gathering specific documentation to develop their future film or series.
Collaborators and Visionaries
The details of this exciting initiative were unveiled recently by Cristóbal de la Rosa, the Director General of Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries for the Government of the Canary Islands. He was joined by the President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, Lola García; the Councillor for Fuerteventura Film Commission, Nereida Calero; and the Director of IsLABentura Canarias, María José Manso. With a collective vision fostering creativity across the islands, the program aims to harness local talent and stories.
Expanding Opportunities
IsLABentura Canarias 2025 marks its fourth edition, having expanded to accommodate sixteen coveted spots in the laboratory—two more than previous years. This expansion now includes screenplays for animated films alongside seven for feature films and seven for series, all of fiction. Each island is represented by two scripts, except for El Hierro and Lanzarote, which will each include three. Among the sixteen selected, seven scripts originate from the Canaries, showcasing the islands’ rich storytelling potential.
A Comprehensive Journey
Following the initial meeting, participants will have six months to finalize their scripts, receiving guidance from the advisory team. After their time in Fuerteventura, they will spend three days on the islands where their stories take place, further immersing themselves in the settings that will breathe life into their narratives. They’ll reconvene in Fuerteventura on Friday, the 25th, for training sessions focused on pitching their ideas and understanding the role of a showrunner. Workshops will be led by industry veterans like Josep Gatell and Javier Olivares, enhancing the participants’ skills and networks. Aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters from any island can apply for free through the program’s website.
Preparing for the Final Showcase
The process will transition online after the initial workshops, with a subsequent in-person gathering planned in Gran Canaria in July for further training. An important milestone will occur in October on La Palma, when participants will present their scripts to local, national, and international production companies invited by the Government of the Canary Islands. This not only serves as an opportunity to showcase their work but also to forge vital industry connections.
Highlighted Projects
Among the standout projects hailing from Fuerteventura, we find ‘Isla de Lobos’ by Yaiza Berrocal, a thriller-drama centered around soldiers stationed on the island, and ‘Siempreviva’ by Gracia Solera, depicting a unique road movie about a family that makes a living through post-mortem portraits. Notably, Fuerteventura has celebrated successes in past editions; last year, its scripts received accolades, including Esther Fernández’s ‘Una lady victoriana en Tindaya’ and the series ‘Dinamita’ by Daute Campos and Sara Molina.
Diverse Narratives Across the Isles
From Tenerife, ‘Abril es joven’ by Nacho Peña tackles themes of existentialism and mid-life crises, while Raquel Trujillo’s ‘Mucha Mierda’ offers a comedic take on a Tenerife-based amateur theater company’s internal drama.
Gran Canaria contributes ‘Días de julio’ by Pablo Fajardo, set against the backdrop of pre-Civil War Las Palmas, alongside ‘8 islas para decirte adiós’ by Pablo Santidrián, which explores the emotional landscape of a couple navigating a personal crisis.
La Palma shines with two poignant narratives: ‘Kipuka, una isla en un mar de lava’ by Javi Armas, recounting the lives affected by volcanic eruptions, and ‘Nana de lava y salitre’ by Helena M. Cabrera, addressing issues of gender-based violence.
Lanzarote offers ‘Goda’ by Katia Klein, reflecting on family and childhood experiences, and ‘Malvasía’ by Laura Pérez Gómez, exploring the evocative world of viticulture. Additionally, an animation project called ‘López y el factor marino’ is also being developed, aimed at family audiences.
From La Gomera, two series stand out: ‘Desde aquí se ve el mar’ by Xavi Suárez, drawing from personal experiences, and ‘No me lo creo’ by Helen Santiago, which humorously tackles the concept of a quirky sect.
Celebrated Collaborators
The project benefits from a robust mentoring team composed of notable figures like Pepe Coira, Marta Buchaca, David Muñoz, Teresa Bellón, and many more. Their combined expertise in popular shows and films aids the nascent screenwriters in refining their scripts and navigating the complexities of the film industry.
Focus on Animation and Fiction
The animation segment of the lab showcases ‘Murió entre las olas,’ based on a true story of an artist who vanished at sea, emphasizing the connection between life, art, and memory. This narrative is curated by Isabel Herguera and Gianmarco Serra, both of whom are instrumental in exploring this profound tale.
For feature films, ‘Kipuka, una isla en un mar de lava’ is recognized for its emotionally gripping premise tied to recent natural disasters, while ‘Pobres Diablas’ combines youthful humor with cultural nuances of island life.
In this vibrant ecosystem of storytelling, IsLABentura Canarias is not just a launchpad for ambitious projects, but a celebration of the diverse voices stemming from the Canary Islands, ensuring a rich narrative tapestry that highlights their cultural heritage and contemporary issues. Each script, infused with local color and representing distinct perspectives, has the potential to truly resonate with audiences both regionally and beyond.
