La Palma’s Cumbre Vieja volcano nominated for international film location award


  • 19-01-2025
  • National
  • Canarian Weekly
  • Photo Credit: Turismo de Canarias
  • Video Credit: YouTube
La Palma’s Cumbre Vieja volcano nominated for international film location award

The volcanic region of La Palma, specifically the Cumbre Vieja area in the municipality of El Paso where the eruption took place in 2021, has been nominated for the prestigious Location Award by the European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN).

The nomination, proposed by the audiovisual department of the Canary Islands Government through Canary Islands Film, highlights the site's use as the central location for the critically acclaimed film La Hojarasca (The Undergrowth).

Cumbre Vieja, Europe’s youngest landmass, served as the principal setting for La Hojarasca, the debut feature by Gran Canaria filmmaker Macu Machín. Produced by El Viaje Films, the movie has garnered numerous national and international accolades, including recognition at the Berlin Film Festival, Málaga Film Festival, and the Feroz Awards in 2024.

In competition for the Location Award, La Palma’s volcanic landscape is up against other prominent sites from Germany, Austria, Malta, and Norway, highlighting the role that remarkable locations play in cinematic storytelling.

Promoting La Palma as a Filmmaking Destination

The Canary Islands Government and the Cabildo of La Palma have launched a promotional campaign encouraging public votes via the EUFCN website until 31st January.

Cristóbal de la Rosa, Director of Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries for the Canary Islands Government, described the nomination as “a shining example of the exciting growth of Canarian cinema, built on years of stable public support now returning results.”

Competing Against European Icons

Filmmaker Macu Machín expressed her delight at the nomination, noting the honour of being listed alongside Ridley Scott’s Napoleon. “It’s incredible to see our young volcano compete with the grandeur of Europe’s historic sites,” she remarked.

The winner of the Location Award 2024 will be selected by a professional jury and announced on 17th February during the Berlin Film Festival. The public’s choice for best location, determined by online votes, will also be revealed at the event.

Voters participating in the contest have the chance to win a trip for two to the winning location, offering an exciting incentive to celebrate the cinematic potential of these remarkable sites. To find out more visit eufcn.com.

With its stunning and diverse landscapes, La Palma continues to attract filmmakers from around the world, further solidifying the Canary Islands’ reputation as a global hub for the film industry. Whether or not Cumbre Vieja secures the award, its nomination marks another milestone in the archipelago’s growing legacy in the world of cinema.

La Palma’s Cumbre Vieja volcano nominated for international film location award

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