The Canary Islands are set to host a high profile international film project this year. Directed by the acclaimed Polish filmmaker Pawel Pawlikowski, the project titled The Island will bring two well known American actors to Tenerife. Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, who are also a couple in real life, travel to Santa Cruz de Tenerife to embody a fictional romance on screen.
Dates and exact shooting locations remain to be finalized, but it is confirmed that filming will conclude in Tenerife. Insiders quoted that discussions are in early stages and the schedule is still being ironed out. It is clear, however, that the island will serve as the shoot’s final backdrop.
The first hint that this production may choose the Canary Islands surfaced during Holy Week when a verified social media account followed by Joaquin Phoenix’s team cited that Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, would host scenes for Pawlikowski’s The Island. The post suggested the project would unfold on the island’s urban and coastal settings, aligning with the film’s mood and period aesthetic.
Beyond the general approval for production, Sur Film has emerged as the local company likely to provide essential support to international crews working in Tenerife. The team will be predominantly drawn from the Canary Islands, reflecting Sur Film’s established track record on similar international shoots. Their portfolio includes involvement in projects such as Doctor Who, Fast & Furious, Jason Bourne, In the Heart of the Sea, The Witcher and Wonder Woman 1984, underscoring their deep local expertise and familiarity with large scale productions in the archipelago.
The arrival of Pawel Pawlikowski in Tenerife is noteworthy in its own right. The director is widely regarded as one of the most intriguing voices to have worked in the Canary Islands film scene. He wrote and directed Ida, released in 2013, which became the first Polish production to win an Oscar for best foreign language film. Earlier achievements include the acclaimed Cold War, released in 2018, which further solidified his international reputation.
Set in the 1950s, The Island draws on elements from the director’s own family history. The film achieved significant recognition at European film awards that year, earning multiple honors including best film, best director, best screenplay and best editing. Pawlikowski’s work was also celebrated at Cannes, and the project received nominations from the Goya Awards and the Academy Awards, highlighting its cross border appeal and critical success.
The film, to be shot on Tenerife settings, is described as a thriller crafted by Pawlikowski himself. The narrative follows an American couple seeking refuge from city life, attempting to forge a remote paradise on a secluded island. As they cultivate self sufficiency, a wealthy investor arrives with plans to build a luxury hotel, creating tension and conflict. The story is set in the 1930s and draws inspiration from real historical events, weaving together personal history with broader social change.