By: Caroline Cunha
THE ALGARVE Film Commission (AFC) has taken another important step forward with the signing of an agreement with the established Andalucia Film Commission.
The document was signed by famous Portuguese actor Joaquim de Almeida, Chairman of the Board of the AFC, and Carlos Rosado Cóbian, general secretary of Canal Sur television and film commissioner of Andalucia.
The objective behind the agreement is to promote the two regions as filming locations for audiovisual productions, such as films, documentaries, videos and adverts, launch joint promotions, exchange information and set up website links. The agreement also establishes the staging of an annual Iberian Conference of Film Producers and Directors.
For Joaquim de Almeida, “the Algarve can learn a lot from the experience of the Andalucia Film Commission, which was formed in 1998”.
Within less than 10 years, the AFC participated in 1,107 productions. The direct economic impact, translated into investments made in Andalucia through these productions, represented around 245 million euros.
Hollywood stars
In February of this year, Joaquim de Almeida, who currently stars in CSI Miami, used his Hollywood contacts to bring film producers for a private visit to the Algarve. The idea was for them to view possible filming locations. “The trip was very positive and we are getting requests,” said Clara Ferrão, the AFC’s public relations manager. “However, I can’t say more right now.”
The AFC did confirm it is supporting two major productions being filmed over the coming months. In May, filming will begin of La Conjura de el Escorial, directed by Spain’s Antonio Del Real, a historical thriller set in the 16th century, in the court of Spain’s King Philip II. “This 13 million euro production is likely to be filmed in Sagres or Lagos,” said José Manuel Lopes, the AFC’s general co-ordinator.
The filming of Call Girl, directed by respected Portuguese director, António Pedro Vasconcelos begins in June. “The location is likely to be São Brás or Tavira. It is a good story, set in modern times and is a production from MGN Films.” Both films star Joaquim de Almeida.
For further information about the AFC, visit the new website at www.algarvefilm.com
