While Barcelona might be attracting the big budget Hollywood films, Madrid is also taking all the efforts to make sure it becomes the preferred filming destination in Spain for productions around the world.
Several action scenes from James Bond film “Quantum of Solace” were shot in Madrid. Several scenes from “The Bourne Ultimatum” were filmed in the streets of the city. However, Indian filmmakers have not yet captured the beauty of Madrid in their films. With IIFA, Madrid hopes to set the ball rolling.
Why Madrid for IIFA?
This year, Madrid’s locals got a taste of the colourful world of Hindi cinema. Madrid’s International Airport was seen buzzing with excitement as Bollywood stars descended for the International Indian Film Academy awards. Bollywood stars were seen clicking selfies with fans before heading to Westin Hotel (where the event will be held).
Madrid is the capital of Spain and also the largest city in Spain. But the most important thing about the city is its sheer energy. No city in the world is more alive than Madrid.
Spain has always been a sought after destination for film-making among foreign filmmakers, with several memorable films being shot here (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Empire of the Sun, Star Wars Episode I, The Others, Game of Thrones, and several other Hollywood films).
Films that were specifically filmed in Madrid include The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), Doctor Zhivago (1965), Deception (2008), Abre los ojos (1997).
With IIFA, Madrid hopes Bollywood filmmakers will also come over to shoot.
Goya Awards, presented by The Spanish Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts, which recognizes talented people in the Spanish film industry (and Latin American movies as well) are also held annually in madrid.
Bollywood Celebs in Madrid
‘House full 3’ actor Riteish Deshmukh took a photography class in Madrid and Instagrammed these images.
Actress Bhumi Pednekar (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) in Madrid.
Madrid Attractions
Here are some of the must-see attractions in Madrid:
- Prado Museum (among the greatest museums in the world today, houses artworks of renowned artists like Goya and Rubens)
- Royal Palace (official residence of the royal family)
- Plaza Mayor (popular amongst both tourists and locals, site of festivities, bull fights and executions)
- Reina Sofia Museum (contemporary art museum houses thousands of great artworks from the likes of Picasso and Miró)
- Retiro Park (among the world’s most beautiful parks, with striking landmarks and nicely landscaped gardens)
- Rastro Market (world famous open air market)
Temple of Debod (ancient Egyptian temple located right in the middle of Madrid City) - Puerta Del Sol (Madrid’s busiest square, a famous landmark here shows the Bear and the Strawberry Tree)
Almudena Cathedral (it took more than 100 years to complete its construction in 1993. The original site was occupied by Madrid’s first mosque) - Plaza de Cibeles (Madrid is known for many beautiful squares like this one. The Cibeles fountain is an important symbol of this city) and many more.
