Notable film shoots in Minorca
In 2015, filmmaker Fernando Colomo, active since 1978 and considered the father of the comedia madrileña that would later inspire the Movida movement, shot La Isla Bonita entirely on Menorca. A film that blends improvisation and script, La Isla Bonita recounts the misadventures of a publicist, Fernando, who has come to retire in Menorca, where he meets many of the island's inhabitants, who are as zany as they are endearing. An invitation from Fernando's friend Miguel Ángel to his golden retreat on the island of Menorca soon turns into a poisoned chalice when Fernando discovers that Miguel's mother has also invited his mother and nephews for the vacation. Fernando finds himself obliged to stay with a politically committed sculptor, who is in constant conflict with her teenage daughter. It's a vacation that won't be easy, but it's a touching, true-to-life film that takes us on a journey through the island's magnificent landscapes. In the film, you'll easily recognize Menorca's old quarter of Ciutadella, Cala Mesquida and the narrow streets of Maó, and feel the island's vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Although La Isla Bonita is probably the best-known film set on Menorca, cinema had already established itself on the island long before this production. In 1976, British comedy director Bob Kellett chose Menorca as the location for Spanish Fly, a British-style comedy starring Leslie Philips and Terry Thomas as two gentlemen living the high life. But when Sir Percy De Courcy (Terry Thomas) finds himself penniless, he's forced to come up with a scheme to maintain his extravagant lifestyle. Without being a masterpiece, Spanish Fly is a comedy that's a pleasure to watch, in the manner of an English de Funès with rocambolical situations and a slightly dated sense of humor. You'll also visit the Destilerías Xoringuer, where the eponymous spirit was already being made back in the day, much to the delight of our characters. Another easily recognizable location from the film is the charming restaurant Trébol in Es Castell (Cales Fonts), still in business today. Who knows, maybe you'll sit down at the same place as our two friends?
In any case, we hope you won't have the same experience as Evelyn and Tom, the unfortunate English couple at the heart of the plot of Revolted in 2000. Shot the same year on Menorca, particularly in the port of Fornells, this surprising film tells the story of an island where the children have gone mad and are systematically murdering the adults. A terrifying premise for an equally terrifying film, which abruptly raises the question of its Spanish title: who could kill a child, even if it cost them their life? Released with some difficulty in 1976 - it was released in the USA, but banned in Finland among other countries - the film gradually acquired a cult following among horror and genre film fans, before gaining cult status in the 2000s. Its influence can be seen in the South Park series, as well as in the cult series Charmed, whose episode "In the Service of Evil" was directly inspired by it. Eli Roth, the American actor and director behind the Hostel saga, considers this film one of his favorites. In 2020, the film was re-released on Blu-ray after a restoration, and is now available to the delight of fans of hemoglobin and unsettling films. Sensitive souls please refrain.
Finally, the island's cinematic picture would not be complete without mentioning La Vida Lliure, directed by Marc Recha in 2017. In this film, the children's only concern is to find their mother, who works in Algiers, and escape from the island, which is then swept by the flu. Tina and Biel's only hope lies in the precious treasure they've just discovered, and the help of Rom, a gruff loner with a big heart who will do everything he can to help them realize their dream. A fine work, supported by an endearing cast.
If you're looking for action or comedy, Menorca is also on offer in Torrente 5: Operation Eurovegas (2014), the fifth installment in the saga featuring Torrente, a former policeman turned more or less skilled stick-up man and specialist in mismanaged schemes. A series of successful films directed by and starring Santiago Segura, the first opus released in 1998 was such a commercial success that it spawned five sequels, with a sixth still in the pipeline. Don't expect great cinema here, but rather a slapstick comedy mixing action and satire of contemporary Spain, with - all the same - the appearance of Alec Baldwin in the cast.
Experience cinema in Menorca
In addition to the cinemas in Maó and Ciutadella de Menorca, the island's main theaters regularly host film clubs and special screenings, both during and outside the tourist season. For example, the magnificent Teatre Principal de Maó hosts a regular film club in its impressive setting. As for events, the Menorca International Film Festival, or FICME, takes place in June. Organized since 2016, this film festival showcases an eclectic program of feature-length and short films with an environmental and eco-conscious focus, while ensuring parity between male and female directors represented in the selection. With, of course, a focus on local and Balearic productions.
Another notable event, this time out of season, is the Menorca Doc Fest, the island's first documentary film and photography festival. Usually held in November, this festival of a different kind brings together artists and filmmakers dedicated to the cinema of the real, with screenings of Spanish and international films according to the themes proposed by the programming team. A great way to experience cinema in Menorca, at any time of year.
