‘The Struggle,’ filmed entirely in Fuerteventura, debuts at the San Sebastián Festival

José Alayón’s feature film features local actors and 400 extras, reflecting the authenticity of Canarian wrestling.

The feature film La Lucha, directed by José Alayón and filmed entirely on the island of Fuerteventura, opened to great acclaim at the 73rd San Sebastián International Film Festival—one of the world’s most prestigious cinematic events. The premiere, held over the weekend, was supported by the Fuerteventura Film Commission and its councilor Nereida Calero, underscoring the significance of the event for the island and for productions shot on Majorero territory.

It is the first film shot completely in Fuerteventura to be presented at the Donostia‑San Sebastián festival. Produced by the Canary‑based company El Viaje Films, the movie is a 100 % Canarian production. After a twelve‑month casting process led by Cendrine Lapuyade, the cast was assembled from debuting, non‑professional actors—most of them real wrestlers. In addition, 400 local extras from Fuerteventura took part, adding genuine strength and community spirit to the picture.

Filming took place between February and March 2024 across several locations in the municipalities of Puerto del Rosario, Pájara, Tuineje and Antigua.

Until now, cinema had scarcely explored the world surrounding the traditional sport of Canarian wrestling. The release of La Lucha therefore serves as a powerful promotion of Canarian and Majorero identity and culture. To complement the premiere, the Government of the Canary Islands organized a live exhibition of the sport on Zurriola Beach, directly opposite the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium—the festival’s main venue.