Woody Allen Receives €1.5 Million Grant for Madrid Film Project

Woody Allen has secured a grant of €1.5 million to produce his next film in Madrid. This funding will be disbursed in three installments: €150,000 in 2025, €600,000 in 2026, and €750,000 in 2027. The financial agreement stipulates that the film must be shot within the Madrid region and that the final title must include the word “Madrid.”

The film currently carries the working title of “Woody Allen’s Summer Project,” although specific plot details and casting information remain undisclosed. The contract for this collaboration was formally signed on November 10, 2024, between Allen’s long-standing production company, Gravier Productions, based in New York, and the Spanish production company Wanda Visión. This partnership is facilitated through PELICULA WASP A.I.E, a legal structure in Spain designed to channel film investment and tax incentives.

Wanda Visión: A Key Player in Spanish Cinema

Wanda Visión is led by brothers José María and Miguel Morales, and is recognized as a prominent player in the Spanish film industry. The company has previously collaborated with noteworthy directors such as José Luis Guerín, Andrzej Wajda, Oliver Laxe, Carlos Reygadas, and Lucrecia Martel. Their recent projects include films by Daniel Calparsoro and Antonio Méndez Esparza.

The grant is part of the Madrid regional government’s public-private financing agreement, which aligns with its 2023-2026 tourism strategy. This strategy highlights the rising trend of film-induced tourism, aiming to attract visitors inspired by cinematic locations. The official document notes, “Cinematic tourism, also known as screen tourism or set-jetting, is on the rise. Locations appearing in films or series can inspire audiences to visit those destinations.”

Allen’s Ongoing Relationship with Spain

Woody Allen’s connection to Spain has deep roots, beginning with his 2008 film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” produced by Mediapro. He continued this collaboration with films such as “Midnight in Paris” (2011), “To Rome with Love” (2012), and “Rifkin’s Festival” (2020), with the latter primarily filmed in San Sebastián. His most recent film, a French-language drama, was shot in Paris and premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2023.

This partnership with Wanda Visión marks Allen’s first collaboration with a Spanish production company outside of the Mediapro group. Reports from Spanish media have also indicated that the director has recently purchased a residence in one of Barcelona’s most sought-after neighborhoods, further solidifying his ties to the country.

The Madrid project promises to engage both local talent and international audiences, as it seeks to leverage the financial support aimed at enhancing the region’s cultural landscape. As details emerge, film enthusiasts will be keen to follow the progress of this latest venture from a director renowned for his unique storytelling style.