colapso short film teide volcanic risk

Colapso: A short film exploring Tenerife’s volcanic anxiety

Tenerife’s volcanic fears take centre stage in new short film ‘Colapso’

Sara looks at Mount Teide with a worried expression and says, very seriously: “If something’s going to happen, please give us enough warning.” She is referring to the risk of an eruption following the volcanic reactivation recorded around Spain’s highest mountain in recent years. This scene belongs to the short film ‘Colapso’, a cinematic work of just over four minutes that is already available on YouTube and other digital platforms. It reflects on how volcanic risk is communicated in the Canary Islands, in a simple but profound way, through a conversation between a young couple, Sara and Sahel, during a visit to Teide National Park.

A young filmmaker’s mission to connect

The short film is the brainchild of Moisés Coello, a 27-year-old audiovisual director and producer from Tenerife, who previously took part in various festivals with his first short film, ‘Efímero’, which received a warm reception internationally, especially in countries such as the United States and Italy. Now he is taking a step further to connect directly with audiences through social media, one of the most immediate channels for reaching people. ‘Colapso’ was filmed just two weeks ago in Las Cañadas del Teide, with the intention, according to its director, of “giving visibility to a real fear that many residents of the island are feeling right now.”

A fear born from reality, not fiction

This short film “does not come from fiction,” Coello clarifies. “It comes from the fear of not being warned in time of a possible eruption, especially for those living in risk zones or who have vulnerable loved ones.” With this short, Coello gives a voice to the silent anguish that runs particularly through the northern neighbourhoods of the island. The cast features Nathaly de la Cruz (Sara) and Daniel San Ginés (Sahel), two promising young actors from Tenerife. Despite never having worked together before, the chemistry was “instant,” admits the director. “They both admired each other within the island’s acting scene and connect deeply with social causes.”

Volcanic activity in Tenerife: what the experts say

It is worth remembering that volcanologists have been detecting an increase in volcanic activity in Tenerife in recent years, through swarms of small earthquakes, many of them associated with Teide. In any case, the island’s volcanic traffic light remains on green, and experts warn that there are no signs pointing to a danger of eruption in the short to medium term. They remain vigilant, however, with a wide network of instruments that primarily measure earthquakes, gases and ground deformation.

Authentic emotion and a new generation of talent

Nathaly is from Los Realejos, and her authenticity brings the emotion that characterises the short film. Behind the cameras, visual artist Drea has been involved, bringing a sensitive perspective that does justice to the new generation of Canarian creatives in her debut work. The film also features Fátima Bravo, a journalist who lends her recognisable voice to the voice-over, adding a tone of protest and warmth. “Colapso is born from respect, urgency and love for our people,” says the director, concluding: “We don’t want to cause alarm, we want to accompany people and remind them that, if the volcano speaks, we must listen in time. We are at your disposal for whatever you need: images, interviews or any other material.”

More than just a volcano: a subtle look at overtourism

The work conveys emotion. This is what the synopsis reads: “Sara and Sahel accompany Teide. He looks at his phone. She looks at the volcano. Between news reports about possible eruptions, tourists and the silence of the earth, Sara finally manages to get everything off her chest.” In addition to volcanic risk, it also touches – very subtly – on other issues, such as the excess of visitors to Tenerife’s natural jewel, Teide National Park. If you want to join in these reflections, ‘Colapso’ is already available to watch.

Source

Scroll to Top