Almería and cinema [Introduction]

Desert areas and wild landscapes, such as those of Tabernas, wide sierras with luxurious vegetation, coasts, cliffs and the pristine beaches of Cabo de Gata-Nijar, few Spanish provinces can boast of such a varied and strongly contrasted geography. Without doubt, this feature is what caused Almería to become one of the world's major film production centres, with up to 200 films and series filmed as of 2001.

Beginning with Spanish films soon European and American productions followed suit, bringing with them the brightest international stars as well as making tourism a major source of wealth and development in the province.

Under the direction of Sergio Leone, Western films became landmark productions. The zone, however, did not wish to focus on a single genre and wisely "marketed" its charms to directors and actors working on other types of films.

Areas of the capital city such as the Alcazaba were transformed to shoot Indiana Jones and The last Crusade under Steven Spielberg and Battle of Guettar in Patton was filmed on location at Rambla del Buho in Tabernas.

However, far from seeing the area as just a centre for work there were many who wanted to enjoy people and their land and perceived the many possibilities intrinsic to the zone. John Lennon celebrated his 26th birthday at what is today called El Delfin Verde, and Italian actor Fabio Testi became captivated by a young lady from Almería whom he would later wed. Others found their fortune there. A young Clint Eastwood and later Arnold Schwarzenegger as well found their careers sky-rocket after filming their first picture in this Andalusian province.

Currently, commercial spots and, periodically, films are still produced here. Many consider that as long as the incomparable light and magnificent whether of Almería can be relied upon, many metres of film will continue to be shot in this land.