Stunning Victory! La Palma & Figueira Da Foz Win Big - You Won't Believe Why!

Lights, camera, action…and the award goes to La Palma and Figueira da Foz! That's right, these two stunning locations have snagged the top spots in the Best European Filming location Awards, a prestigious honor bestowed by the European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN). The announcement, made during the bustling European Film Market at the Berlin Film Festival, has put these picturesque spots firmly on the map for filmmakers worldwide.

Stunning Victory! La Palma & Figueira Da Foz Win B...

La Palma, a jewel in the Canary Islands archipelago, clinched the overall EUFCN Location Award for 2025. This Spanish island earned its stripes as the backdrop for the Netflix thriller series, aptly titled "La Palma." Considering each EUFCN member film commission can only nominate a single location from their region, this win is a serious feather in La Palma's cap. I've personally visited the Canary Islands, and the dramatic volcanic landscapes, combined with the lush greenery, offer a truly unique and versatile canvas for any production. It's easy to see why filmmakers are drawn there.

The selection process wasn't a walk in the park either. A jury comprised of heavy hitters from the film and TV industries – think folks from Fremantle's Wildside, Blueprint Pictures, and Oxbelly, along with seasoned location managers – had the tough job of picking the winner. Interestingly, this is the second time the Canary Islands have been recognized, with El Hierro taking home the award back in 2019. Looks like the Canaries are becoming a hotspot for cinematic excellence!

Representing La Palma at the awards ceremony were Natacha Mora, Coordinator at Canary Islands Film, Lorena Martín, Project Manager at Canary Islands Film, and Beatriz Páez, Island Director of Tourism of the Island Council of La Palma. A well-deserved victory for their stunning island.

Meanwhile, over in Portugal, Figueira da Foz secured the EUFCN Audience Location Award, a title determined by the public through an online vote. This coastal city earned its nomination thanks to its role in the drama series "Broken Spies." It's always interesting to see what resonates with the general public, and clearly, Figueira da Foz captivated viewers with its charm.

Ana Marques, Executive Director of the Portugal Film Commission, couldn't have said it better: "Winning this award shows that Portugal, and particularly Figueira da Foz, offers the right conditions and outstanding locations for major international audiovisual productions. Let Portugal be the setting for your next project.” And honestly, I can't disagree. With its diverse landscapes, historical architecture, and, let's be honest, incredibly delicious food, Portugal is definitely ready for its close-up.