The Generalitat Valenciana is advancing a broad strategy to reposition Ciudad de la Luz as a catalyst for economic renewal across the region. The aim is to spark a new local industry and weave a robust network of tradespeople and professionals around film production. In this spirit, President Ximo Puig outlined a plan to map small and medium sized enterprises and freelance workers who contribute to film projects, with the goal of identifying the talents and needs within the seventh art and the growing audiovisual sector.
A key element of this plan, as Puig envisions, is the launch of a new project focused on vocational education. The initiative is designed to train capable professionals specifically for the audiovisual sector, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers to support the industry’s development.
During a detailed Q&A session, the consul addressed questions from attendees who followed the address with keen interest. Topics included the future rail link and a film complex serving nearby Alicante-Elche airport. Puig acknowledged the practicality of the proposal and noted that it would be reasonable to move forward. He recalled that the Transport Minister, Raquel Sánchez, had pledged that the tender for the project, estimated at eighty million euros, would be issued before year’s end.
The first shots of the new era of City of Light will arrive in October
Puig pointed to persistent gaps in access to the cinema complex, describing the area as urbanly degraded and highlighting the need for an aligned solution with the city council of Alicante to protect the surrounding environment of the sets. This marks a clear commitment to collaborative planning that respects local conditions while advancing production opportunities.
Illusion
In the memories section, the Consell leader recalled difficult moments when the studies were at risk of disappearing. He stressed that today, with renewed prestige and ambition to reach new frontiers, the project stands as one of the Valencian Community’s brightest hopes. He recalled an early moment in his presidency when he opposed selling works for seventeen million, a decision that did not align with the current message and goals. The plan envisions expanded facilities if the five year business plan goals are met.
Ciudad de la Luz will not be a closed project. Filming will be a priority for large and medium productions, while also valuing the work of professionals in the sector. The PSPV leader urged that the industry be understood as carrying a moral obligation after periods of sanctions, describing a difficult era between Kanal 9 and the launch of A Punt. The new path aims to balance growth with public service commitments.
Tax incentives
Regarding the potential creation of tax incentives for producers, the president stressed that these would operate within the legal framework to avoid repeating past issues. He signaled willingness to participate in the Strategic Project for the Improvement and Economic Transformation of the audiovisual sector, known as PERTE. He also noted regret that many Alicante residents were unaware of Ciudad de la Luz until seeking vaccination as part of a large dose campaign, which highlighted the need for public communication about the project. Initiatives will be undertaken to announce productions to the public at the time of a broader post-pandemic reopening following European Union restrictions lifted on July 1st.
In closing, Puig described the Alicante film complex as reborn with renewed prestige after years of uncertainty. He expressed optimism that a future film like Lawrence of Arabia might be shot there, framing the venue as a hub for the seventh art. Attendees noted that stars such as Francis Ford Coppola, Antonio Banderas, and Penélope Cruz were already involved with the Alicante facility, with possibilities for more projects this fall.