Travel Blissful

New Almodóvar Movie To Boost Lanzarote Tourism

by Erica Johansson on 11/07/08 at 4:33 pm

TEXT: Nick Ball, Founder of Lanzarote Guidebook

Thanks to the release of Almodóvar’s new movie in early 2009, the Canary Island of Lanzarote is expecting to welcome flocks of new tourist visitors next year. Broken Embraces, starring Penelope Cruz and directed by Pedro Almodóvar, has been filmed on location across the island.

Broken Embraces tells the story of a couple - played by Penelope Cruz and Lluis Homar - who flee to Lanzarote from Madrid. There, they become embroiled in a car crash in which Homar’s character loses his sight.

Scenes for the film have been shot at some of Lanzarote’s most picturesque locations, including the Green Lagoon at El Golfo, the beach at Famara and the Timanfaya Volcano Park. These breathtaking spots offer a ready made promotional vehicle for Lanzarote’s tourist industry.

Lanzarote has provided the backdrop for a number of previous big screen productions. The island’s unique volcanic scenery has proved to be an irresistible draw for directors of sci-fi movies, such as the classic One Million Years BC which memorably starred Raquel Welch in a fake fur bikini.

Attracting over 1 million British and Irish tourists during 2007, Lanzarote is already a very popular holiday destination. As island tourist authorities attempt to re-brand Lanzarote as a quality holiday destination, they hope the release of Almodóvar’s new movie will help to attract more upmarket tourism to the island.

Certainly, the director himself is a major fan - having visited the island on numerous occasions over the last decade. “Lanzarote has a hypnotic atmosphere,” he said whilst filming. “It manages to relax you. It’s as if the earth has curative properties.”

Leading lady Cruz was also quick to sing the praises of the Island of Fire. “My best friend comes from Lanzarote. I have been here twice before, but now Pedro is showing me all of its corners. The people here are very kind and affectionate.”

Broken Embraces is scheduled for release in early 2009, so expect Lanzarote to feature as a hot holiday destination next year. It’s already rumoured that the premier itself could be screened on the island.

For more information about Lanzarote and a free Guidebook to the island, visit www.lanzaroteguidebook.com