Almeria, a film jewel in southeastern Spain, has established itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for audiovisual productions thanks to its unique characteristics and the work of the Almeria Film Office. This office, managed by Almería City Council in collaboration with the Andalucía Film Commission, is responsible for facilitating filming in the region, offering a comprehensive service to national and international production companies looking for spectacular locations for their projects.

Film prestige

Since the 1960s, Almeria has been the set for countless iconic films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. This legacy has not only put the region on the world cinematic map, but has inspired current generations to continue filming in its landscapes. Almeria’s cinematic history is undoubtedly a great attraction for the industry, which has allowed the city to experience a sort of ‘second golden age’ in recent years.

One of Almeria’s greatest attractions for filming is its diverse landscape. The region has more than 3,000 hours of sunlight per year, which allows for a wide shooting window during all seasons. In addition, its Tabernas desert, the only one in Europe, is perfect for recreating arid or exotic environments. Added to this are its unspoilt beaches, picturesque villages in the Alpujarra and urban settings such as the Alcazaba of Almeria, which has served as a backdrop for numerous productions. This variety allows production companies to recreate a wide range of settings without having to leave the province.

Services and facilities for productions

The Almería Film Office has been noted for its focus on facilitating the filming process as much as possible. It operates as a ‘one-stop shop’ that manages filming permits and coordinates the necessary public services, thus streamlining bureaucratic procedures. In addition, the office offers an exhaustive catalogue of locations and advice on the fiscal aid available, making Almeria a highly competitive option compared to other international locations. In recent years, the increase in filming in the region has been remarkable, with more than 50 projects being carried out between 2022 and 2023, including feature films, TV series, documentaries and commercials.

Film has not only been a platform for cultural promotion for Almeria, but has also contributed significantly to the local economy. Film productions generate employment and benefit different sectors, such as accommodation, catering and technical services. In addition, film tourism has gained popularity, with visitors attracted by the scenery they have seen in films and series. One in five tourists choose their holiday destination based on film locations, and Almeria is taking advantage of this trend to diversify its tourism offer.

Events and international promotion

The promotion of Almería as a film destination is not limited to the management of film shoots. Every year, the region organises the Almeria International Film Festival (FICAL), which serves as a showcase for the industry and celebrates the province’s historical relationship with the seventh art. In addition, Almeria’s presence at international tourism fairs, such as FITUR, reinforces its image as an ideal location for audiovisual productions, both traditional and for streaming platforms.

Institutional support has been key to Almeria’s resurgence as a film destination. Thanks to agreements for the exemption of municipal taxes in some cases, the city has been able to attract international projects that would otherwise have shot in other locations. This proactive approach, together with the collaboration with the Andalucía Film Commission, has made possible an efficient management of film shoots, boosting the region’s competitiveness in the global market.

In conclusion, the Almeria Film Office has made Almeria a privileged destination for the film industry, combining a rich history, a unique variety of landscapes and strong institutional backing. The region continues to adapt to new trends and take advantage of film opportunities, demonstrating that in Almeria, film is not only a cultural activity, but an integral part of its identity and economic development.