Terrassa: A Living Film Set for Creative Tourism:
- Terrassa’s cinematic journey began as early as 1887, when it hosted one of Spain’s first film screenings—an early sign of the city’s pioneering spirit. Today, Terrassa invites visitors not just to watch films, but to step into the story. By reimagining its industrial modernist heritage through the lens of creativity, the city has transformed into a vibrant hub where cinema, education, and cultural tourism converge.
At the heart of this transformation lies a dynamic audiovisual ecosystem. The city’s commitment to creative learning is embodied in institutions like the Escola Superior de Cinema i Audiovisuals de Catalunya (ESCAC), alma mater of acclaimed director Juan Antonio Bayona. ESCAC, in collaboration with the municipality, curates the Base Film Festival, a showcase of emerging talent that doubles as a cultural attraction for visitors seeking authentic, youth-driven narratives.
Terrassa also houses the Parc Audiovisual de Catalunya (PAC)—a sprawling creative campus that blends professional film studios, a business incubator, and a cluster of cultural enterprises. This space not only fuels the industry but also opens its doors to creative tourists eager to explore behind-the-scenes experiences and engage with the storytelling process.
The city’s creative pulse extends to grassroots movements as well. Over the past decade, a vibrant amateur film scene has flourished, led by visionary figures like architect Jan Baca and painter Antoni Padrós. Their work positions cinema as a universal, participatory language—one that invites locals and visitors alike to co-create and connect.
Through initiatives like the Baumann Lab, Terrassa nurtures young creatives with grants that support experimental audiovisual projects, reinforcing its role as a launchpad for innovation. The city also invests in accessibility and inclusion by offering scholarships to ESCAC students, ensuring that talent from all backgrounds can contribute to its creative future.
As a UNESCO Creative City of Film, Terrassa is committed to international cooperation and sustainable development through culture. Its vision includes:
Film at School: A pioneering programme that empowers teachers to use film as a tool for intercultural dialogue and creative expression. The initiative will culminate in an international festival, positioning Terrassa as a reference point for creative education.
Virtual Reality Cinema Unit: A space for experimentation with immersive storytelling, fostering collaboration among filmmakers from across the Creative Cities Network.
Cinematic Itineraries: An interactive exhibition that guides visitors through the city’s film production sites, turning Terrassa into an open-air museum of moving images.
Global Cultural Diplomacy: By leveraging networks like Eurocities and Interreg Med, Terrassa promotes exchanges with African cities and beyond, championing creative tourism as a vector for inclusive growth.
In Terrassa, cinema is more than an industry—it’s a shared cultural experience, a tool for education, and a gateway to discovering the soul of the city. For creative tourists, it offers not just a destination, but an invitation to participate in the ongoing story of a city that lives and breathes film.
Creative experiences
INFO:
- Terrassa Creative City – Website
