New Almodóvar movie to boost Lanzarote tourism

The small Canary Island of Lanzarote is hoping to welcome flocks of new tourist visitors next year thanks to the release of a new Pedro Almodóvar movie in early 2009.

Broken Embraces stars Penelope Cruz and was filmed on location across Lanzarote.

It tells the story of a couple - played by Cruz and Lluis Homar - who flee to the island from Madrid. And then become embroiled in a car crash in which Homar's character loses his sight.

Scenes for the film were shot at some of Lanzarote's most picturesque locations, providing a ready made promotional vehicle for Lanzarote's tourist industry.

Locations include the Green Lagoon at El Golfo, the beach at Famara and the Timanfaya Volcano Park.

Lanzarote has provided the backdrop for a number of previous big screen productions.

The island's unique volcanic scenery has proved popular with directors of sci-fi movies such as the classic One Million Years BC, which memorably starred Raquel Welch in a fake-fur bikini.

Lanzarote is already a very popular holiday destination - attracting over one million British and Irish tourists during 2007.

Tourist authorities are hoping the release of Almodóvar's new film will help to attract more upmarket tourism to the island as they try to re-brand Lanzarote as a quality holiday destination.

Certainly, the Spanish director himself is a major fan - having visited the island on numerous occasions over the last decade.

"Lanzarote has a hypnotic atmosphere," he stated during filming of Broken Embraces.

"It manages to relax you. It's as if the earth has curative properties."

Leading lady Penelope Cruz was also quick to sing the praises of the Island of Fire.

"My best friend comes from Lanzarote. I have been here twice before but now Pedro is showing me all of its corners. The people here are very kind and affectionate," she said.

Broken Embraces is scheduled for release in early 2009 and rumours are already circulating of a premier screening on Lanzarote.