CIIF Market closes its 21st edition with the awards ceremony and the presence of William Levy
- The best projects of this edition have been recognized and a special screening of the film “Under a Volcano” has taken place, with the presence of its protagonist, William Levy; its director, Martín Cuervo; and the co-star of the second part “Under a Fire“, Claudia Álvarez, whose filming has ended this week in Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, October 31, 2025. The Canary Islands International Film Market (CIIF Market) concluded its twenty-first edition this Friday, after a week full of professional activities, pitching sessions and international meetings that consolidate the Canary Islands as a strategic point for global audiovisual co-production.
The closing ceremony, held at the Espacio Price in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, was attended by institutional authorities such as José Manuel Bermúdez, Mayor of Santa Cruz; José Carlos Acha, Island Councillor for Culture, Museums and Sports of the Tenerife Island Council; and Pablo Martín Carbajal, CEO of PROEXCA.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the screening of the film “Under a Volcano,” with its star, William Levy, in attendance. Levy also stars in the sequel, “Under a Fire,” whose filming wrapped this week in Tenerife. The actor attended the event along with the film’s team, including the director of both films, Hugo Martín Cuervo, actress Claudia Álvarez, his co-star in “Under a Fire,” and production manager Guillermo Ríos.
The film, set and shot in different parts of the island, is an international production that reflects the growing interest of the audiovisual industry in the Canary Islands as a natural, logistical and creative setting.
Guillermo Ríos, director of CIIF Market, has taken stock of this edition, with more than 500 meetings held, and has thanked all the entities, participants and professionals who have contributed to consolidating the Canary Islands as a strategic point for the co-production and development of international audiovisual projects.
During his speech, he highlighted the quality of the projects presented in this edition, emphasizing that, although it may seem like a repeated phrase, “every year the level is higher.“
Ríos explained that the projects are arriving increasingly better developed, better presented and with a more solid vision, something that is perceived not only by the organization, but also by the receiving companies and the experts who have held meetings with the participants, and who have expressed this.
“Those who evaluate them and meet with the winners tell us this: this year, the quality has been so high that they’ve even told us the awards weren’t enough. The decision was really difficult because all the projects are of a very high standard and deserve recognition,” he noted, emphasizing the interest shown by the recipients in several of them.
The director added that, although not all participants can receive an award, each one represents the talent, effort, and innovative capacity that define this market. “Our gratitude goes to all those who have placed their trust in the CIIF Market and made the effort to bring their ideas, dreams, and projects here. This market is your home, and your presence is what gives meaning and prestige to each edition,” he concluded.
Pablo Martín Carbajal, CEO of PROEXCA, wanted to highlight the importance of the audiovisual sector as a strategic sector for the islands. “At PROEXCA, we support all those spaces and markets that contribute to its consolidation, and CIIF Market is a clear example of this. After 21 editions, this market continues to generate real opportunities for business, employment, and collaboration. Our shared goal is for the sector to grow not only in revenue but also in the creation of skilled jobs, fostering local talent and projecting the Canary Islands as a leading hub beyond our borders. It is in markets like this that the best projects are truly born.”
This day brings to a close an intense week of professional meetings, pitching sessions, panel discussions, project presentations and networking that have brought together European and Latin American producers, distributors, sales agents and investors in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
During the closing ceremony, the CIIF Market 2025 Awards were presented, recognizing projects with the greatest international potential, co-production opportunities, commitment to sustainability, and musical and technical creativity. The awards were granted by public institutions and collaborating entities of the market, with the aim of further promoting the development and internationalization of film talent.
The CIIF Market Santa Cruz de Tenerife Award for the Project with the Greatest International Potential, consisting of a €3,000 travel grant to attend an international market of their choice, was presented by José Manuel Bermúdez, Mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, to:
- HUAYO, by Audiovisual Films (Peru). Collected by: Dorian Fernández (director and producer) and Andrea Moberg (producer). Animated feature film project.
The Tenerife Island Council Award for the Canary Islands Project with the Greatest Potential, including free accreditation to attend a European or international film or audiovisual market of their choice, was presented by José Carlos Acha, Island Councillor for Culture, Museums and Sports of the Tenerife Island Council, to:
- MANSA, by Digital 104. Collected by: Domingo J. González (director) and Nayra Rodríguez (producer). Feature film project.
The Music Library & SFX Award, for best European project and best Latin American project, includes a free flat rate for professional music synchronization of their catalogs. The awards were presented by Peter Stephens, director and project coordinator of Music Library & SFX, and by Patricia Carrera, music supervisor at Control Freaks.
European project Ex Aequo for:
- THE PAIN OF THE PHANTOM MEMBER, by Tourmalet Films (Spain, Canary Islands). Collected by: Omar Al Abdul Razzak (director, screenwriter and producer). Feature film project.
- PUNTALES, by Faro Cine and Bidiro Films (Spain, Canary Islands). Collected by: Andrés Borges (director and producer) and Claudia León (producer). Feature-length documentary project.
Latin American project:
- MENARCHY, by Infocus Video Factory Cine & TV (Panama, Chile, Peru). Collected by: Jairo Ramos (director, producer, and screenwriter). Feature film project
The MAFIZ (Málaga Festival Industry Zone) Award, granted to the best European project and the best Latin American project with the greatest co-production potential, includes two accreditations per project to participate in the 2026 edition of MAFIZ, the industry section of the Málaga Film Festival. The awards were presented by Pablo Martín Carbajal, CEO of PROEXCA, on behalf of MAFIZ, to:
European Award:
- 5 DAYS WITH ANA, by Naif Films (Spain, Canary Islands). Collected by: Yadira Ávalos (executive producer) and Juan Carlos Mostaza (director, screenwriter and producer). Feature film project.
Latin American project:
- EVERYTHING IS OK, by Sin Sentido Films S.A. de C.V (Mexico, Spain). Collected by Sofía Bruquetas (producer) and Mateo Garlo (director). Feature film project.
The Blurr Stories Award, which provides professional lab services for the completion of two projects—one European and one Latin American—meeting quality standards for distribution, was presented by Fernanda Pérez, producer at Blurr Stories.
European project:
- THE COLLAPSE, by Damita Joe (Spain, Argentina, Luxembourg). Collected by Alberto Masliah (producer). Feature film project.
Latin American project:
- A BOLERO FOR ITA, by Red Collision Studios (Colombia, Spain). Collected by Andrés Ferro (producer). Feature film project.
The Térrea Award, for the best European project and the best Latin American project, consisted of formulating a sustainability plan to implement strategies for reducing emissions and social impact. It was presented by Csaba Szabó, CEO of Térrea, to:
European project:
- ROCASANTA, by Dexiderius Audiovisual Productions (Spain). Collected by: César Martínez Herrada (producer), Rodrigo Martín Antoraz (screenwriter), and Pedro García Ríos (screenwriter). Feature film project.
Latin American project:
- HUAYO, by Audiovisual Films (Peru). Collected by: Dorian Fernández (director and producer) and Andrea Moberg (producer). Animated feature film project.
Finally, Bolero Films, the company receiving the award in this edition, directed by Luis Romero (CEO and producer), wanted to recognize the project with a Free Consultation:
- PUNTALES, by Faro Cine and Bidiro Films (Spain, Canary Islands). Collected by: Andrés Borges (director and producer) and Claudia León (producer). Feature-length documentary project.
In closing, Guillermo Ríos once again expressed his gratitude for the commitment of all the collaborating entities and institutions that made this new edition of the market possible. “Reaching the 21st edition reaffirms that CIIF Market is not just a professional meeting point, but a platform that continues to grow and contribute real value to the development of the audiovisual industry. We deeply appreciate the support of the institutions, without which this event would not continue to solidify its position as a leading, effective, and distinctive event on the international calendar.”
The director of CIIF Market also highlighted the added value of screening films that originated from projects incubated at the market, such as “Me dicen el Panzer” (They Call Me the Panzer), allowing the public and industry professionals to see projects born in previous editions come to fruition. “Seeing these stories become reality is the best reward. We’ve been able to share them with the island and the industry itself, closing a circle that is precisely the market’s objective: for projects to become films, productions, jobs, and culture.”
The 21st edition of the Canary Islands International Film Market was held this week in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, establishing itself as a key meeting point for the audiovisual industry. The event brought together producers, distributors, financial agents, and institutional representatives with the aim of promoting co-production, investment, and the international reach of film and television projects linked to the Canary Islands.
The market is promoted by Festeam, Communication and Events, and is sponsored by the Tenerife Island Council, through the Area of Culture, Museums and Sports; the Government of the Canary Islands, through the Canary Institute of Cultural Development, Canary Islands Film and PROEXCA; and the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, through the Development Society and Macaronesia Films; with the collaboration of Turismo de Tenerife, through the Tenerife Film Commission; and the Canary Islands Audiovisual Cluster, among other entities.
