PROJECTIONS
CIIF MARKET
About the screening
CIIF Market 2026 invites the public to discover *Abril, hoy no es invierno* (*April, It’s Not Winter Today*), the award-winning short documentary written and directed by Mabel Lozano. The filmmaker will be present at the screening to introduce the work and offer insight into her creative process.
The screening is part of the Canary Islands International Film Market’s commitment to cinema made and/or filmed in the Canary Islands, the promotion of audiovisual talent, and the development of projects capable of attracting new production and financing opportunities to the archipelago.
A true story that deserves to be heard
*Abril, hoy no es invierno* addresses the violence and sexual exploitation of women with disabilities through a true story. The protagonist, Ángeles Blanco—a lawyer for an organization that provides support to people with cerebral palsy—receives a mysterious plea for help. Following this initial SOS, she begins a quest to assist a woman who needs to be heard.
With a perspective committed to human rights and the protection of the most vulnerable women, Mabel Lozano once again shines a light on realities that often remain silenced. The filmmaker has been honored with two Goya Awards for Best Documentary Short Film for *Biografía del cadáver de una mujer* and *Ava*.
From short film to feature film: a production in Tenerife
The story of *Abril, hoy no es invierno* continues to expand with a feature film based on the short film, currently in production in Tenerife. The movie features a cast led by Luis Tosar and Michelle Jenner, alongside Antonio de la Torre, Javier Gutiérrez, and Rossy de Palma.
The feature film is produced by Abril, hoy no es invierno S. L., Mafalda Entertainment, Riverflow Pictures, and Álamo Producciones Audiovisuales. Mabel Lozano serves as creator, screenwriter, director, and executive producer, with Eduardo Campoy as producer.
The filming highlights the potential of the Canary Islands as a location for hosting film productions and creating opportunities for companies and professionals in the audiovisual sector. For CIIF Market, supporting projects of this kind means contributing to the strengthening of the industrial fabric, fostering collaborations, and facilitating the reach of these productions into new markets.
A work recognized at festivals
Since its premiere at the 2025 San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it opened the “Made in Spain” section, the short film has received various accolades, including:
- 2026 Fugaz Award for Best Documentary Short Film.
- Award for Best Documentary Short Film at Enkarzine.
- Gender Taboo Award at the La Mirada Tabú Festival.
- Award for Best Documentary Short Film at the Torre en Corto festival.
About the screening
CIIF Market 2026 will conclude its 22nd edition with a screening of *Tal vez*, the debut feature film written and directed by Canarian filmmaker Arima León. The film will be shown on Friday, October 30, at 8:00 PM at Espacio Price (Screen 2), following the market’s closing ceremony and awards presentation, which will take place at 7:00 PM.
The screening will be attended by the director and Tania Santana—one of the film’s leads—and will offer the audience an opportunity to discover a story that recovers the cultural memory of the islands and celebrates Canarian cinematic talent.
This screening is part of the Canary Islands International Film Market’s commitment to cinema made and/or filmed in the Canary Islands, providing visibility to the productions, production companies, and professionals who contribute to the development of the archipelago’s audiovisual industry.
A story of love, memory, and freedom
Set in 1968 and inspired by true events, *Tal vez* brings us to the meeting between two extraordinary women: the celebrated trapeze artist from the Canary Islands, Pinito del Oro—played by Adriana Ugarte—and the poet from Gran Canaria, Natalia Sosa, brought to life by Tania Santana.
While preparing for her final performance with the Circo Price, Pinito del Oro decides to write her memoirs and finds in Natalia Sosa the person capable of giving shape to her memories. A deep connection develops between them, one that defies the social conventions of the time.
A través de las cartas, la memoria y los sentimientos que perduran a lo largo de los años, Tal vez explora el amor, el deseo, la identidad y el silencio impuesto por una sociedad marcada por la represión.
The cast also includes Antonia San Juan, Salva Reina, and Aitor Luna, in a film that brings back key figures from Canarian culture and offers an intimate look at stories that remained hidden—and at voices that deserve to be heard.
The Canary Islands as origin, setting, and source of talent
Perhaps it represents a commitment to talent from the Canary Islands, both in front of and behind the camera. This is the first feature film by Arima León, a filmmaker from the Canary Islands who brings to the screen a story closely linked to the culture and identity of the islands.
Filmed entirely in Gran Canaria, the film is produced by Tal Vez La Película, S. L. and Inefable Productions, with audiovisual production services provided by SIA Production Systems.
Su realización pone de relieve la capacidad de las productoras y los profesionales del archipiélago para impulsar proyectos cinematográficos con identidad propia y proyección más allá de Canarias.
For CIIF Market, supporting cinema made and/or filmed in the islands means contributing to the strengthening of the audiovisual ecosystem, fostering new opportunities for collaboration, and promoting the Canary Islands as an attractive territory for film creation and production.
An encounter with Arima León and Tania Santana
The screening will also be an opportunity to gain insight into the film’s creative process and learn firsthand about the experiences of those who made it possible.
The presence of director and screenwriter Arima León and lead actress Tania Santana will offer an opportunity to engage with Canarian cinema through the lenses of creative work, performance, and the recovery of stories rooted in our culture.
Este encuentro pondrá el broche final a la programación de CIIF Market 2026, celebrando no solo una película, sino también el trabajo, la sensibilidad y la creatividad de los profesionales que construyen y proyectan la identidad audiovisual de Canarias.
Una oportunidad para disfrutar del cine hecho en Canarias y cerrar CIIF Market 2026 celebrando el talento, la memoria y la creatividad audiovisual de las islas.
