The Theater Hall of the Multicines Atlántida experienced a historic evening last night with the screening of the documentary Memories of the Land, which collects the history of the emblematic group from Lanzarote Los Campesinos.
The event, which brought together an enthusiastic and loyal audience, deeply interested in culture and traditional values, far exceeded the expectations of the organization with tickets sold out from the start, which shows the great social support that this iconic cultural group has on the island, which was supported by institutional representatives, lovers of the world of folklore, as well as social and cultural agents of the island.
This documentary is a production of R2 Media Film for Los Campesinos and has been sponsored by the Cabildo de Lanzarote, Ayuntamiento de Arrecife, Government of the Canary Islands and Caja Siete, as well as the collaboration of the César Manrique Foundation, the Spínola Group, the Vega de Yuco winery and the Digital Memory of Lanzarote.
The screening, which is part of the commemorative events for the 60 years of Los Campesinos, was preceded by emotional words from its director, Miguel Ángel Corujo, who deeply thanked "the presence of the numerous public present at the event and highlighted that 2024 has been a fairly intense year for the group, but that they have felt very accompanied by society in all the events held." He also stated "his willingness to present this documentary on the two capital islands." Corujo also thanked "the Spínola Group for their collaboration in providing an exceptional environment for the development of this event."
The presentation of the documentary was also attended by the Councilor for Culture of the Cabildo, Jesús Machín, who was very satisfied with the massive attendance "to an event that reinforces our identity, culture and traditions and assured that, as a politician and lover of traditional folklore, he reaffirms that "the more I know the new, the more I love the old."
Benito Cabrera, director of the documentary Memories of the Land, said that for him it has been "an honor" to direct this work that shows us the history of Los Campesinos, thanking the participation of its members in the preparation of the audiovisual work, which will now remain for society as a faithful witness of the life of the emblematic group from Lanzarote.
This event is part of an ambitious program of activities that commemorate the 60th anniversary of the group, some of which have been carried out in recent months, although according to the director of Los Campesinos, "there are still many initiatives to be developed in the first months of next year, such as the presentation of the first popular songbook with traditional repertoire from the island of Lanzarote, which aims to preserve expressions of great ethno-historical importance such as the Ranchos de Pascua; or the presentation of an illustrated book on traditional dances." Also, a series of guided tours of different points of the island are planned, aspiring to involve and strengthen ties with nature and its territory.
The success of this event is only a reflection of the recognition and appreciation that Los Campesinos continue to reap, both inside and outside Lanzarote. Throughout these six decades, their work has been key in the preservation of intangible heritage, and with projects such as Memories of the Land, they continue to consolidate their role as chroniclers of the past, but also as protagonists of the present and future of Lanzarote culture.
The grand finale of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of Los Campesinos will be the staging of the musical show Memories of the Land, which is scheduled to premiere after Easter.
