Madrid pays Woody Allen on condition that city landmarks feature prominently in his new film

Madrid is preparing to play a role that goes beyond merely hosting a new filming location, as the Spanish capital is set to become an integral part of Woody Allen’s next film, following support for the project tied to conditions that ensure the city’s visibility to a global audience.

According to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, filming is expected to begin on October 5, 2026. The funding package linked to the project, which includes public support, tax incentives, and pre-sales, amounts to approximately eight million euros. However, this figure does not represent full direct financing from the Madrid city council.

The Madrid city council confirms it will contribute 1.5 million euros from the film’s total budget of 12 million euros, in exchange for a set of notable commitments. The most prominent of these require the film’s title to include the word “Madrid,” and stipulate that at least 15% of its scenes be shot in clearly identifiable outdoor locations within the city. Additionally, pre-production and filming phases are expected to take place in Madrid.

Local authorities state that the goal is to transform the film into a tool for the cultural and tourist promotion of the capital, ensuring its landmarks and architectural identity appear on screen rather than being used as an anonymous backdrop.

Allen’s 51st feature film, which he will write and direct, will mark an experience in which Madrid becomes more like a character within the film, rather than merely a setting for the events.