Lights, Camera... Action!

Take a look at these eight surprising facts about Spanish-language film production.

EntradaFundación Antonio de Nebrija

Cinema is a testimony and representative of the culture, values, and concerns of society. It is a mirror of the times and a showcase for the promotion of a people's identity. 

Cine antiguo (2023)Fundación Antonio de Nebrija

Since its invention, everyone has understood its power, and it has always been used as a communication tool. 

Keyboard letters (2020) by Miguel Á. PadriñánFundación Antonio de Nebrija

In the case of Spanish, this language and its culture also have a long history in film production. 

Here, you will discover some oddities and facts that you probably didn't know about Spanish-language cinema. 

Cámara de rodajeFundación Antonio de Nebrija

Eight facts about Spanish-language cinema

1

Secuencia de rodajeFundación Antonio de Nebrija

In 2017, Spanish-speaking countries were responsible for 11.3% of global film production.

2

Hombre viendo una película (2023)Fundación Antonio de Nebrija

Spain, Argentina, and Mexico are among the top 15 film-producing countries in the world. 

3

Máquina de palomitas (2023) by Carmen García RicoFundación Antonio de Nebrija

In Spain alone, 322 feature films were produced in 2022, 50 more than in the previous year. 

4

Claqueta de rodaje (2023)Fundación Antonio de Nebrija

Spanish speakers like to consume content in Spanish. Spanish-language productions reach large audiences within Spanish-speaking countries.

5

Popcorn (2020) by Tima MiroshnichenkoFundación Antonio de Nebrija

Spain is considered one of the best countries for film production thanks to its location. Between 200 and 220 days of the year have suitable lighting conditions for filming, and it has very diverse landscapes which are accessible and very well connected.

6

Penélope CruzFundación Antonio de Nebrija

Besides film production, the dubbing industry also helps spread the Spanish language. The films 'Rio Rita' (1929) and 'Devil and the Deep' (1931) were pioneers for Spanish dubbing.

7

Gala 34 de los Premios GoyaFundación Antonio de Nebrija

Spanish-language films have been recognized at the Oscars with nominations and awards. Spain is the third foreign country with the most films nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.

8

Claqueta de promoción de los 31º Premios GoyaFundación Antonio de Nebrija

The Goya Awards, held since November 1985, were the first awards ceremony to recognize Spanish film production and continue to be an important recognition for those involved in the sector.

An interesting fact about the Goya Awards

Credits: Story

This article contains data from Informe del Instituto Cervantes 2022, the Fotogramas magazine and the article written by Maria Martin.



Content curation: Aina Arbona
Graphic Editor: Carmen García
Consulting and review: Lola Pons (Universidad de Sevilla)

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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