SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 14th March (EUROPA PRESS) –
In its seventeenth edition, MiradasDoc showcases the creative force of Canarian documentary filmmaking with a special segment, ‘Mirada Canaria’. Two chosen films for the opening and closing galas are ‘La Hojarasca’ by Macu Machín and ‘An inhabited volcano’ by David Pantaleón and José Víctor Fuentes.
The festival is scheduled from 15th to 22nd March with a programme that spans over eight days. Local and international creators dominate the screens of the auditorium in this southern Tenerife municipality. The event includes training sessions and a market with various workshops and spaces for audiovisual business.
The 2024 edition was announced at the Tenerife Cabildo by the Minister of Culture and Museums of Tenerife, José Carlos Acha; the mayor of Guía de Isora, Ana Dorta; the Councilor for Culture and president of MiradasDoc, Carlos Álvarez; the general director of Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries, Cristóbal de la Rosa, and the representative of the educational section of the CajaCanarias Foundation, Carlos León.
“The Cabildo has always supported ‘MiradasDoc’, which originated during a favourable period for the audiovisual sector in the islands. It is a culturally powerful programme that has sustained continuity over time, receiving competitive subsidies,” emphasized Acha. He also highlighted the involvement of the island corporation through the Tenerife Film Commission in facilitating access for local filmmakers in the ‘One to one’ section.
“Canarian documentary cinema has truly earned its place,” stressed ‘MiradasDoc’ director, Tenerife filmmaker David Baute. He pointed out that the opening film, ‘La Hojarasca’, was chosen for the Forum section at the Berlinale and is now being presented in Guía de Isora after being recognised as the best Spanish film in the ZonaZine category at the Malaga Spanish Film Festival.
Additionally, the closing film, ‘An Inhabited Volcano’, had its world premiere at the Swiss Visions du Réel festival.
“I highlight this because, at festivals, often only the screenings are visible rather than appreciating the extensive work behind them—creating and promoting projects, participating in workshops, and engaging in the market. These two films have progressed through various phases in ‘MiradasDoc’,” Baute mentioned.
Cristóbal de la Rosa, in particular, commended the significance of workshops like CREADOC, where Canarian filmmaker Macu Machín developed the opening documentary seven years ago.
“These documentaries require an ecosystem to flourish, and it is the responsibility of institutions to support the creation of such an environment,” stated the general director.
De La Rosa also indicated that in ‘MiradasDoc’, “Canarian creators tackle the realities of the audiovisual market and explore film and audiovisual distribution based on real-life situations.”
Along similar lines, he mentioned that the Government of the Canary Islands will be involved in CREADOC and the special ‘Mirada Canaria’ series, which is expected to yield significant results.
“Our task is to nurture the talents of those involved in these endeavours in the Canary Islands,” concluded De La Rosa.
The Guía de Isora City Council, represented by its officials, expressed gratitude to other institutions for their support in fostering such a substantial cultural programme.
“A UNIQUE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE”
The Councilor for Culture underscored the festival’s role in attracting audiences to explore Guía de Isora through a cultural project that portrays “a complex, yet authentic reality, a cinema unlike any other seen in various places”.
The mayor highlighted the importance of the training sessions, particularly the opportunities provided to students in the Image and Sound programmes to create documentaries with professional support.
“I stress the importance of the local perspective, one that should not be overlooked, as it holds essential popular and traditional riches, embodying values of solidarity and generosity that are absolutely crucial,” he remarked.
For the CajaCanarias Foundation, “Miradasdoc sets an example of complementary activities that enhance student education.”
Carlos León stated that the organisation collaborates with the educational programme EnseñanDoc, offering schoolchildren on the island the chance to view films from the official selection, providing an opportunity to interact with directors and protagonists. He explained, “The documentary format is a powerful tool, and such films enable the exploration of values with students.”
The foundation sees itself as part of the educational community, remaining “open to collaborations that can make a difference in classrooms,” thereby complementing its educational initiatives.
