Hollywood Shines on Sardina de Gáldar
The coastal town of Sardina de Gáldar in Gran Canaria has been transformed into an international film set, hosting American actor John Travolta and director Renny Harlin for the shooting of their new movie, “Mareas Negras” (Black Tides). The mayor of Gáldar, Teodoro Sosa, visited the set this Friday alongside councilors Valeria Guerra and Ulises Miranda to observe the filming of one of the scenes firsthand.
A Boost for the Local Economy and Image
Mayor Sosa emphasized the significant value of such high-profile productions for the region. He highlighted that these projects are crucial “for promoting the image of the municipality and Gran Canaria as a whole, and especially for generating economic activity in Gáldar.” The film shoot mobilizes hundreds of cast and crew members who require accommodation, food, and other services, providing a substantial boost to local businesses for the duration of the month-long filming schedule.
Gáldar: A Rising Star for Film Productions
This is not the first time the area has caught the eye of filmmakers. Mayor Sosa pointed out that just a few days prior, another major production, “Just Play Dead,” starring Samuel L. Jackson, was also filming in Sardina. With these back-to-back projects, Gáldar is solidifying its position as one of the leading destinations for audiovisual productions in the Canary Islands.
The municipality’s impressive filmography already includes a diverse list of movies and series such as “Zorro,” “Palm Trees in the Snow,” “Weiss & Morales,” “The Three Investigators,” “You Shall Not Sleep,” and “Taxi to Gibraltar,” among others. The mayor also noted that numerous commercial advertisements have been shot at various locations throughout the municipality.
Meeting the Minds Behind the Movie
During their visit to the set, Mayor Sosa and the councilors were received by key production staff from Nostromo Pictures, including producer Adrián Guerra, production director Lluis Mallet, and location coordinator Eric Ceballo, who gave them a tour of the facilities.
Hollywood Heavyweights at Work
The project brings serious Hollywood credentials to the Canary Islands. Director Renny Harlin is renowned for iconic action and adventure films like “Die Hard 2” and “Cliffhanger.” The movie’s leading man, John Travolta, is a global star with a career defined by historic films such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Grease,” and “Get Shorty,” for which he won a Golden Globe award.