La Palma, known as La Isla Bonita, is the greenest of the archipelago of Spain’s Canary Islands. Boasting lush forests and steep coasts that fall away to reveal stunning black sand beaches, La Palma has myriad natural wonders to lure filmmakers to its shores, including the Tajogaite volcano.
The volcano played a pivotal role in The Undergrowth (La Hojarasca), written and directed by first-time filmmaker Macu Machin, which shot entirely on La Palma in 2021. The docu-fiction hybrid treads fine line between fact and drama, starring as it Carmen Machin, Elsa Machin and Maura Perez, the wife and two aunts of the director.
They play a version of themselves, a trio attempting to settle the division caused by a family inheritance after years of debate. Backgrounding it all is the island, its stunning nature - and the Tajogaite volcano.
While filming, the production was affected by the eruption of Tajogaite in 2021. The volcano is located in the municipality of El Paso. The eruption began on September 19 and lasted 85 days, forcing the evacuation of 7,000 people, and transforming the orography – the topographic relief of mountains – and landscape, serving as a reminder to everyone one of the power of nature.
The Undergrowth evolved into a portrait a how a natural and historical event can be incorporated into a cinematographic narrative that reflects the reality of the people who experienced the eruption.
It has helped to spur Canary Islands Film, the audiovisual department of the Government of the Canary Islands that oversees and facilitates all audio-visual production throughout the archipelago, to become one of the five finalists for the 2024 EUFCN Locations Award.
The territory reclaimed from the sea by the eruption, revealed 48 hectares and 14 beaches, creating a fresh volcanic paradise for scientists and artists. The new land is among the youngest in Europe.
Produced by El Viaje Films, The Undergrowth has become one of the most successful Canarian films, debuting in Berlinale´s Forum 2024 and winning prizes including best film and director nods at last year’s Malaga Film Festival.
Contact: hello@canaryislandsfilm.com
Find out more: https://canaryislandsfilm.com/en/
The EUFCN Location Awards is the annual prize for European filming locations, organised by the European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN).
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