The Cabildo of Lanzarote premieres on July 30 a documentary that covers over 50 years of citizen mobilization on the island.
On Thursday, July 30, the Atlántida Cinema in Arrecife will host the premiere of 'Share, Transform, Decide. A History of Participation in Lanzarote', a 33-minute documentary produced by the Open Government Area of the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa. The event, starting at 19:00, will bring together locals, activists, and institutional representatives to celebrate half a century of collective action.
The piece, directed by Pilar Estevan and produced by David Hernández, is not just a historical overview. According to the Councillor for Citizen Participation, Armando Santana, “Lanzarote has a huge and very vibrant associative fabric, which has been key in driving social improvements, defending the territory, and strengthening coexistence.” The documentary aims to highlight those individuals who, through neighbourhood associations, workers' struggles, the environmental movement, or social associations, have contributed to building the island.
From the neighbourhood to the administration
The documentary features testimonies from historians, journalists, activists, and public officials to reconstruct a little-known part of Lanzarote's recent history. From the first neighbourhood associations of the 1970s to the new forms of participation promoted by administrations, the narrative shows how organized citizens have been a driving force for social, environmental, and democratic changes.
“Solid institutions are not built solely from offices,” emphasizes Santana. “They also need an informed, organized citizenry capable of participating in common affairs.” The project has involved collaboration from the seven municipalities of the island, whose representatives participated in a joint debate included in the film.
16 pieces for social media and a nod to the SDGs
In addition to the documentary, the team has produced 16 exclusive pieces for social media, designed to broaden the reach of the message and connect with younger audiences. The work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 (strong institutions and inclusive participation) and SDG 11 (sustainable communities).
The production also invites reflection on how forms of organization have changed in an increasingly individualized society. The message is clear: many of the advances we enjoy today in Lanzarote have their origins in individuals who decided to collaborate to build a common future. And that, in an island where the associative fabric remains very much alive, deserves to be told.
The premiere will be on July 30 at 19:00 at the Atlántida Cinema in Arrecife, with free entry until full capacity is reached. No invitation is needed. An opportunity to rediscover that citizen participation is not a thing of the past, but a current tool for transforming the present.
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