Armando Ravelo announced this Monday that he is stepping away from cinema and public life after being condemned last Saturday for sexual harassment on social networks. The Canary Islands artist Koset Quintana accused the Gran Canaria filmmaker of pressuring her to have sex and offering drugs and porn when she was 14.
Many voices say they are fed up with powerful men who use their influence to degrade others. Quintana’s account notes that a film director based in the Canaries, funded by the Islands and overseen by the Government, is involved. The remark followed similar complaints from three women about alleged sexual violence by the Spanish filmmaker Carlos Vermut.
The news reported by Country was the trigger for Quintana to reveal through social media that she met Ravelo during a workshop at a video store where he spoke about the history of film. She recalled conversations from 2014, including Ravelo asking, Do you like doing bad things? and his reply, I’m too old to do other bad things with you, followed by a remark that suggested a plan. Quintana said Ravelo did more than encourage sex; he spoke about drugs and porn. Her post drew widespread reactions in support of Quintana and others who reported similar harassment by Ravelo.
The Microclima Film Producers Association of the Canary Islands condemned sexist violence and noted that Ravelo had received temporary support. Ravelo, speaking to Efe, said that in 2014, at age 31, he was very drunk and believed punishment would not come. He linked what he describes as a sex addiction to a period of therapy that helped him understand the harm caused to women with whom he had relationships. Ravelo acknowledged that the Canary Islands filmmaker would not be able to work in local cinema again and suggested that Quintana’s complaint was part of a broader pattern of behavior that leaves behind many unresolved cases.
“Reprehensible” conduct
Ravelo rejected the allegation of sexual violence or any physical harm, saying he thought Quintana was an adult when they met, and that he had treated his comment about her age as a joke. He conceded that the contact was inappropriate and urged others to speak out, though he cautioned against painting everyone with the same brush or assuming every case is identical. He added that the therapy he pursued in recent years helped him regain control of his life and face the consequences of Quintana’s claims honestly.
The Government of the Canary Islands asserted a firm, unshakable stance condemning harassment and voiced strong support for the Canary Islands artist who stepped forward to condemn violence. The government confirmed it would assist women who report such situations and highlighted the Canary Equality Institute as a resource for those affected. It emphasized that sexist abuse and power abuses will not be tolerated and encouraged victims to verbalize their experiences so justice can prevail.
The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to helping victims and to countering gender-based violence. The Canary Equality Institute was named as a resource for survivors of abuse in the arts sector, reinforcing the message that women are not alone and that reporting can lead to accountability. A call was made to ensure proper response channels exist so cases are properly investigated and addressed.
Subsidies
The minister reminded that government subsidies for Ravelo are granted under strict legality. The Microclima Film Producers Association of the Canary Islands rejected all forms of violence against women and expressed support for those who have faced harassment, while noting that subsidies should pass through formal regional and island channels. The association also stressed the need for transparent, equal, and non-discriminatory processes in the awarding of public funds and warned that aid given to certain candidates should follow the same rules as others.
CIMA, the association of Women Filmmakers and Audiovisual Media, released a statement condemning sexual violence and showing solidarity with those who experienced harassment. They called for concrete measures, including protocols and contractual clauses to prevent harassment. They urged the film and culture sectors to uphold women’s rights and to take action quickly. The association reminded the sector that fear often hinders reporting and offered support through a dedicated contact channel for filmmakers seeking help.
Goya Awards and accountability
The Film Academy affirmed solidarity with victims of sexual violence and announced a plan to foreground the issue at the Goya Awards in Valladolid. The Academy said it represents film professionals across the country and rejects all forms of abuse while supporting victims who come forward. The organization referenced the recent statements by three women accusing Carlos Vermut of sexual violence and the Canary Islands artist claiming Ravelo encouraged her to engage in sexual activity and to accept drugs and porn at a young age. The academy reiterated its commitment to continue reporting and addressing harassment within cinema.
Sources: official statements from government bodies, the Microclima Association, CIMA, and the Film Academy. These attributions reflect ongoing efforts to protect victims and ensure transparency in the handling of such cases .