“Tenerife will soon have its city of cinema and this government group is committed to it.” The statement by Rosa Dávila, president of the Cabildo, is a declaration of intentions in response to the Socialist Group, which requested her appearance at an extraordinary session to explain what they consider “a delay that could extend up to two years from now,” despite the fact that “in the previous term we had the process on track” to promote a large audiovisual complex in the municipality of Adeje. Dávila responded, among other things, that, in addition to the firm commitment to continue on this path, “obviously, we must comply with the law.”
Compliance with regulations is limited to the report dated 21st May from the Tenerife Environmental Assessment Commission (CEAT), an independent body, which determined that the mandatory environmental evaluation must be the ordinary one and not simplified, as proposed by the Tenerife Cabildo.
The discussion then focused on the will or the political action and the essential intervention of technicians and jurists. All groups supported this large audiovisual complex as a very important link in the economic diversification of the Island to reduce dependence on tourism.
The debate centred on the supposed slowness with which the new government team has acted in the current term (2023-2027) since the declaration of the project as of island interest on 8th June 2023, exactly one year ago today.
Participants provided data on the increasing business volume generated by film shoots and other activities related to this sector in Tenerife. The discussion revolved around the advantages and tax incentives with two diametrically opposite perspectives. While the socialist Pedro Martín deemed the actions of the former President of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, as “decisive,” the governing group criticized that “the Government of the Canaries from the pact of the flowers (2019-2023) tried to undermine that incentive policy by reducing it and, thus, hindering the development of this fledgling industry.”
Rosa Dávila pointed out that “just on 24th January, the promoter submitted the request for the environmental assessment and the mandatory report from the competent body is in line with the explanation given.” She questioned the PSOE if they “intend for us to bypass legality.”
Pedro Martín urged CC and PP to “take responsibility and not blame this delay on the PSOE or the company. If there is political will, a very beneficial idea for Tenerife can be promoted.” Martín displayed press clippings indicating that the Island is missing out on hosting Hollywood film shoots and other similar initiatives due to lack of infrastructure. The spokesperson for the main opposition group expressed disappointment because “we have not been able to get an explanation of the work plan they have to achieve the objective, the reason why we requested this session.” Additionally, he recalled that “the company has always worked hand in hand with the Cabildo, not taking any initiative that was not previously agreed upon with the island Corporation.” Martín emphasized the idea that includes the initiative to train professionals from the sector to provide local talent for potential productions.
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Favorable Data
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Lope Afonso recalled the excellent data from the 2023 sector report, with 163 productions and €103 million in profits. He stated that “the most complex part of the administrative process has fallen on this government team.” Afonso guaranteed last January, during the presentation of the previous year’s numbers – with that record investment figure of €103 million – the future construction of a new city of cinema.
José Miguel Ruano indicated that “the administrative process is complex” and referred to fitting into the Island Territorial Planning Plan (PIOT) or the necessary rezoning of land from rustic to urban, zoning of the Island Plan, and other issues related to natural resources. Always with the “firm commitment” to move forward.
Naím Yánez, from Vox, outlined the features of the future complex and expressed his support for “a growing sector that generates wealth and employment and can diversify our economy to be less dependent on tourism as it is now.” He emphasized the need for “a more agile public administration, especially for strategic projects like this.”
Municipal Support
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Adeje City Council, with its mayor, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, at the helm, is strongly committed to this project. The initiative of Imagine Green Studios would have 400,000 square meters in the Fañabé industrial estate and would generate, according to estimates, 15,000 direct and indirect jobs in different phases from construction to full development. There will be 19 soundstages, around twenty post-production rooms for image and sound, and two specific sets for aquatic and subaquatic filming. It includes large virtual spaces and is advertised as “environmentally friendly” and “fully powered by renewable energy sources.” It will also have a vocational training and university postgraduate centre to train future technicians and professionals: lighting technicians, art directors, directors, post-producers, designers, carpenters, craftsmen, makeup artists, etc., to meet the demands of high-profile productions with the necessary level of professional training. These professions will join directors, screenwriters, editors, cameramen, and management and administration staff in all areas essential for carrying out audiovisual projects. The hub will host workshops capable of meeting the most elaborate sets. The initial schedule set the year 2025 as the deadline for completion, but it is evident that the deadline will not be met.
This offer would complement the traditional audiovisual appeal of the Canary Islands thanks to the scenic potential, tax incentives, and a platform of technical and human resources capable of covering the entire filming and production process. With this project, the Island would compete in the market with London, Prague, Rome, or Berlin which concentrate the major blockbusters.
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