Professionals from the film and television production industry gathered in Granada for the 'Heritage Sessions', an event organised by Andalucía Film Commission. The conference focused on the promotion and dissemination opportunities that filming activities present for Andalucía as a tourist destination.
Supported by the regional Ministry of Tourism, Justice, Deregulation and Local Administration, the event aims to position Andalucía as a prime location for film shoots and cinematic tourism, sectors that showcase the region and attract high-value travellers.
Among the speakers, British location manager Jodi Moore praised Andalucía's diversity in attracting film productions, noting that collaboration with local audiovisual companies creates jobs and generates significant investment in accommodation, dining, and the tourism industry.
Irene Manrique, a location supervisor at A Film Location Company, highlighted the international impact of projects developed in the region, stating that they raise awareness of Andalucía worldwide and contribute to quality tourism that seeks out natural and historical sites. "Film shoots create immediate job opportunities and long-term benefits by putting lesser-known destinations on the map," she added.
Additionally, Iván García, an archaeologist from the Baelo Claudia Archaeological Ensemble, remarked that the audiovisual presence of Andalucía's architectural and natural heritage enhances cultural interest in the region and encourages exploration of these spaces.
The conference, attended by José Manuel López Suárez, the territorial delegate for Tourism, Justice, Deregulation and Local Administration in Granada, brought together national and international audiovisual professionals, heritage site managers, and specialists in new technologies to discuss the relationship between cultural heritage and audiovisual production.
The programme placed particular emphasis on cinematic tourism and its role in promoting and valuing heritage, while also addressing the main challenges of using historical and monumental sites as filming locations. Topics of discussion included coordination between productions and heritage managers, the conservation of cultural assets, professionalisation of teams, image rights and intellectual property, as well as the opportunities presented by digital twins, virtual production, and artificial intelligence.
This edition of the 'Heritage Sessions', organised by Andalucía Film Commission, aims to foster collaboration between the audiovisual industry and heritage management, promoting the exchange of experiences and the development of models that allow for the compatibility of audiovisual activities with the protection, conservation, and promotion of historical and unique sites.
