The City of Light project has returned to life with a clear call to action: belief and participation will turn this vision into reality. At an event in Donostia, Puig announced the reopening of the Alicante film complex under regional government leadership, following Brussels’ lift of long standing restrictions from 2012. The move marks a milestone in the history of Spain’s cinema, as Alicante International Film Festival San Sebastian celebrates its 70th edition this year.
The press center in the festival’s hub in Kürşaal was buzzing with industry names and companies. Independent studios, including Filmax and Litmus, joined a diverse lineup of producers and service providers such as Horse Movies, brunette films, Oria Movies, Mod Media, Marble, Babieka, and Las Alicante Jaibo. Major groups like Mediapro, Amazon, and Netflix were represented, alongside regional and European bodies such as the European Film Academy, the Spanish Film Academy, the Spanish Film Commission, and Egeda. Media partners and private sector players added to the cross section of the audiovisual ecosystem.
José Manuel López-Tornero, president of RTVE, joined Puig for the presentation. Adriana Moscoso, the General Manager of Cultural Industries in Ciudad de la Luz, voiced strong support, describing the reopening as timely and essential for the industry. The audience heard a commitment that the complex would play a vital role in shaping the region’s cultural economy.
A week after the European Commission confirmed the closure of a case connected to the facility following a 2012 competition violation judgment, Puig outlined a plan for reopening. Public funds would finance seven years of operation, with a win-win framework reflecting the site’s long history under previous administrations when it faced shutdown after productions wrapped.
Puig reflected on past missteps while emphasizing a determination not to surrender to the setbacks of 2015. He highlighted a prior investment of 400 million from the Valencian Government and framed the current effort as a story of persistence and renewal for the local film industry. Officials stressed that this time the project would be managed with greater transparency and a forward-looking approach to sustainability.
The event photo caption captured Puig flanked by Adriana Moscoso and José Manuel López-Tornero, underscoring the collaboration among regional authorities, cultural bodies, and national institutions to revive Ciudad de la Luz.
With renovation work underway and a funding package of 2.4 million euros, the Consell plans to transform the studios into a premier venue for both big and small productions. A sizable investment of 25 million euros was announced to expand facilities and accelerate digital modernization. The aim is to place Ciudad de la Luz among Europe’s most competitive studios and to serve as a magnet for European and global productions alike.
Puig stated that Ciudad de la Luz should operate as a true employment engine for Spain and the Valencian Community. He pledged aggressive tax incentives, while acknowledging past EU concerns over direct subsidies and regulatory gaps. The plan includes tax relief for filming—estimated at around 30 percent—alongside private financing channels and guaranteed loans designed to align with industry needs and legal frameworks through regional financial bodies.
Beyond incentives, the plan features a robust support network for the audiovisual sector. A Film Office will become operational again in November to assist producers, and a direct contracting platform will link local ancillary companies and cinema-related services. This framework is designed to strengthen the entire ecosystem, with 11 cycles of audiovisual vocational training already reaching more than 2,500 students this year.
When questions turned to leadership for the complex, Antonio Rodes, executive director of the Thematic Projects Association, indicated that candidates were in the evaluation phase. Puig did not set a date for the first shoot, aligning with regional expectations that shoots could begin later in the year. In addition to the previously announced projects, officials are exploring multiple production opportunities in Ciudad de la Luz as part of a broader strategy to revive the regional film economy.
In summary, the reopening signals a comprehensive push to reestablish Valencianudiocity as a thriving hub for cinema and television. The renewed studios, financial incentives, training programs, and industry collaboration are positioned to attract international productions, nurture local talent, and sustain a vibrant creative community for years to come. This renewal is presented as a long-term investment in culture, jobs, and regional competitiveness, with the shared goal of ensuring Ciudad de la Luz becomes a lasting beacon for the European screen industry. The strategic emphasis remains on transparency, local capacity-building, and regional partnerships that empower filmmakers to tell compelling stories on a big stage for audiences across Spain and beyond.