Markets

The 21st edition of the Canary Islands International Film Market (CIIF Market), held from October 27 to 31 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, offered an extraordinary glimpse into one of Europe’s most dynamic and promising hubs for audiovisual production. For me, it was my first time attending, and the experience turned out to be far more inspiring than I could have imagined.

What struck me most was seeing up close how the Canary Islands Film Commission works — a well-organized and forward-thinking structure that supports producers from around the world. Here, filmmakers can take advantage of stunning and diverse landscapes, from volcanic deserts to lush forests and coastal towns, all within a short distance. Add to that the strong fiscal incentives and the professional infrastructure, and it becomes clear why the archipelago has become a top-tier destination for international co-productions.

Throughout the week, CIIF Market offered a packed program of pitching sessions, networking meetings, and panels, with over 500 professional encounters recorded this year. Producers, distributors, financial institutions, and public representatives gathered to explore creative collaborations and new financing opportunities.
Among the most memorable moments was the screening of “Bajo un volcán”, attended by its lead actor William Levy, who also stars in its upcoming sequel “Bajo un fuego”, filmed recently in Tenerife. The event perfectly captured the spirit of CIIF: a space where local talent meets global ambition.

One of the key sessions of this edition addressed the new legislative and financial landscape of the Spanish audiovisual sector, with a focus on the Canary Islands’ fiscal regime (REF) and the role of artificial intelligence in content creation. The discussion, moderated by Ana Cristina Armas (RNE Canarias), featured Carmen Aguado (Écija Abogados), Fernando Rodríguez (Bankinter), and José Ramón Barrera (Government of the Canary Islands).
All participants agreed that Spain’s audiovisual industry has reached a new stage of maturity and professionalism, yet must continue evolving to adapt to technological innovation and new business models.

The CIIF Market 2025 Awards once again celebrated creativity, innovation, and international potential. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Award for Best International Projection went to Huayo, an animated feature from Audiovisual Films (Peru) that tells the magical story of a fruit born from the world’s oldest tree, who sets out to save the last sacred forest of the Amazon. Other winners included “Mansa” by Digital 104, “El Dolor del Miembro Fantasma”, “Puntales”, “Menarquía”, “5 Días Con Ana”, “Todo Va Bien”, “El Derrumbe”, “Un Bolero Para Ita”, and “Rocasanta”.

For me, attending CIIF Market for the first time was an opportunity to experience firsthand how collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, and creative professionals can generate real growth in the audiovisual field. The Canary Islands are not just a filming destination — they have become a strategic ecosystem, where fiscal policy, talent, and creativity merge seamlessly.What emerges from this experience is the image of a region that has learned how to transform its natural beauty into a sustainable cultural economy, attracting producers, investors, and creators from across the world.

In short, the CIIF Market represents the perfect balance between vision and pragmatism, showing how a local initiative can have a truly global impact. For those working in content creation and international co-productions, Tenerife is not only a place of inspiration — it is, without a doubt, a gateway to the future of the audiovisual industry.