La Graciosa will take the international spotlight this September as Las islas afortunadas becomes the first feature directed by a Canarian filmmaker and produced primarily by Canary Islands companies to compete at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The film, directed by Helena Girón and Samuel Delgado, will make its world premiere in TIFF’s prestigious Discovery section during the 2026 festival. The category showcases first and second feature films from emerging directors and has previously introduced the work of acclaimed filmmakers including Christopher Nolan, Yorgos Lanthimos and Alfonso Cuarón.
Produced by El Viaje Films, La Banda Negra and Greek production company Asterisk*, the film is backed by producers José Alayón, Samuel Delgado and Vicky Miha, with Marina Alberti serving as executive producer.
The cast features debut actress Luisa Ahl Laabiad, who is of Sahrawi origin, alongside renowned French actors Lou Castel and Grégoire Colin. Filming took place in Super 16mm across La Graciosa, Lanzarote and Tenerife.
Set on La Graciosa during the 15th century, the story follows Fátima, a young woman in the service of the marquis who controls the island’s only source of fresh water. When the well runs dry and unrest spreads among the population, she sets out on a journey in search of a way to ensure the community’s survival.
The directors describe the film as an exploration of how “systems of power emerge from scarcity and fear,” while also highlighting humanity’s capacity for solidarity in times of hardship. The story draws inspiration from the colonial history of the Canary Islands.
The selection of Las islas afortunadas for TIFF marks a significant milestone for Canarian cinema, placing both La Graciosa and the wider Canary Islands on the global film stage.
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