La Gomera hosts this week the fifth edition of IsLABentura Canarias, the script laboratory of the regional government. Sixteen selected screenwriters participate in workshops with professionals from Movistar+ and the ALMA union.
La Gomera has become the epicentre of Canarian audiovisual talent these days with the celebration of the fifth edition of IsLABentura Canarias, the script laboratory promoted by the regional government. Since last Monday, the island has been hosting an extensive training programme that brings together 16 selected screenwriters, known as 'protaguionistas', alongside other local professionals from the sector.
The initiative, promoted by the Canarian Institute of Cultural Development (ICDC) and Canary Islands Film, is collaborating this edition with the Cabildo of La Gomera and the Town Hall of Valle Gran Rey. Over four days, participants work on feature film, series, and animation projects inspired by the Archipelago, in an environment that seeks to foster creativity and knowledge exchange.
This edition's teaching staff includes prominent professionals from the audiovisual sector. The executive producer of Movistar+, Cristina Merino, opened the week with a workshop on how to present projects professionally. Merino, whose resume includes titles such as 'Se tiene que morir mucha gente' and 'Muertos SL', shared the keys to accessing the television market.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Enrique Buleo, responsible for 'Bodegón con fantasmas', a film nominated at Sitges and the Feroz Awards, conducted a workshop on creativity and uniqueness in writing. The narrative structure and dramatic development have been addressed by editor Ariadna Ribas, whose work includes 'Creatura' and 'Pacifiction', in her workshop '(Des)montar el guion', an open dialogue about the different stages of writing a film.
Screenwriter Diana Rojo, who has collaborated on series such as 'El ministerio del tiempo' and 'No me gusta conducir', returned as a teacher with the training 'The Character and Its Conflict', where she shared her experience in character creation. Additionally, Alba Lucío, representing the ALMA union, offered a session titled 'Screenwriters in Conditions', providing insights into the labour reality of the sector.
The programme also included two exclusive internal sessions for laboratory participants. Psychologist María Elízaga led a workshop on character creation, while actress Natalia Mateo, a regular face at the laboratory, conducted training on directing actors for screenwriters.
Simultaneously, IsLABentura Canarias is celebrating a significant milestone these days: the start of filming 'La Cathedrale', a film born and developed within the laboratory. This psychological thriller, written and directed by Tenerife filmmaker Eduardo Cubillo, is currently being filmed between Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The story follows a prestigious violinist trying to rebuild his life after the murder of his daughter through a restorative justice process.
The feature film, shot entirely in English, boasts a top-tier international cast. Among the actors are Tenerife's Taz Skylar, a global star from Netflix's 'One Piece'; Marta Nieto, awarded at the Venice Film Festival; British actor Will Keen, known for his role in 'The Crown'; and other performers such as Ronald Guttman and Peter Vives. The production is handled by Inefable Productions (ISII Group).
IsLABentura Canarias is an initiative of the General Directorate of Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries of the Government of the Canary Islands, through the ICDC, in collaboration with Proexca and the seven island councils. In the final awards and recognitions, entities such as DAMA, Movistar+, Canary Islands International Film Market, the Fundación Algo en Común (Colombia), CIMA, Music Library & SFX, and the Audiovisual Laboratory collaborate.
Other essential collaborators include the Canarian Audiovisual Cluster, the Canarian Music Cluster, and the Ibero-American Federation of Film and Audiovisual Producers. Recently, the laboratory has promoted Atlántica Guion, a Ibero-American alliance for the development of new projects alongside the international laboratories 'Algo en Común' (Colombia) and 'Histórias Que Viajam' (Brazil).
For Canarian filmmakers, this initiative represents a unique opportunity for training and connection with the industry. The workshops are designed to address everything from character creation to project presentation, including the conditions of the screenwriters' agreement. The atmosphere in La Gomera, with its landscapes and tranquility, fosters concentration and creative exchange among participants.
The fifth edition of IsLABentura Canarias reinforces the Archipelago's commitment to the development of local audiovisual talent, consolidating the Islands as a benchmark in screenwriter training. The filming of 'La Cathedrale' also demonstrates that projects conceived in the laboratory can materialise into productions of international scope.
You may also like
