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Films and documentaries about Ibiza | Part one

Depictions of Ibiza on the silver screen.

Given the concentration of creatives who live here - from photographers to dancers, musicians to videographers - it's little wonder that Ibiza frequently finds itself the subject of art. Understandably, cinema joins the ranks alongside music and literature in finding her allure.

Ibiza's stunning landscapes and architectural backdrops lend themselves well to widescreen viewing.

Seeing as we're revisiting 2000 favourite Kevin & Perry Go Large later this summer, we're in the mood for a binge watch. From the sublime to the downright trashy, here's a selection of movies where Ibiza has graced the big screen.

Being that it's Valentine's Day this week, we start with...


Hopeless romantic

Sex and Lucía | Studio Canal | dir Julio Medem | 2001

Partially shot on neighbouring island Formentera, Sex and Lucía tells a story of lust, love and infatuation. Paz Vega plays our sultry protagonist, opposite romantic interest Tristán Ulloa, a troubled writer.

Various steamy encounters ensue and, of course, there's the love rival ex. Poetic, considering the island has its fair share of lotharios and female sex icons. Worth watching for the gorgeous shots of Formentera alone.


Introducing Danny Dyer

Is Harry On The Boat? | Sky One | dir Menhaj Huda | 2001

A rowdy made-for-TV caper starring Will Mellor and a fresh-faced Danny Dyer. The story follows the sex-pot antics of holiday reps at tour operator Young, Free & Single, widely assumed to be sending-up Club 18-30. Sex and innuendo abound.

Watch out for appearances by Keith Allen, Ralf Little and Caroline Flack.

Adapted from the best-selling book by the late Colin Butts, a familiar face on the island who sadly passed away in 2018.


Better best forgotten

Ibiza | Good Universe | dir Alex Richanbach | 2018

Netflix exclusive Ibiza immediately drew question marks because it was filmed in Croatia. Not a good start. The DJ references also miss the mark, but we can understand why people who have never been to Ibiza might find it a fun watch.

Although there are some funny and relatable scenes (the hotel room black light - ewww!) ultimately, the laughs are too few and far between. Has done as much for Ibiza's tourist board as Mike Posner and Ibiza Weekender combined.

See also: Coming 2 Ibiza from 2003. Equally as forgettable.


Dead jokes

Ibiza Undead | Templeheart Films | dir Andy Edwards | 2016

Following in the footsteps of Shaun Of The Dead, Warm Bodies and Zombieland, comes this Ibiza-inspired “zom-com” (that's zombie romantic comedy). Fans of those other movies shouldn't get too excited, as this was made on a fraction of the budget.

Ibiza Undead is noteworthy for starring I'm A Celebrity...'s Emily Atack and Matt King AKA Super Hans from Peep Show. Like most modern teen slashers, the characters aren't that likeable and you find yourself cheering for their tormentors.

Several scenes look like kick-out time at Amnesia closing - and that's kind of the running joke, but it wears thin very quickly. Still, if there were ever a zombie apocalypse, Ibiza would surely be the best place to be.


Taboos tackled

Amnesia | Independent | dir Barbet Shroeder | 2015

Set during the nascent clubbing scene, Amnesia tells the story of Jo, an ambitious composer from Berlin who travels to the island to find his fame and fortune. He soon sets sights on becoming a DJ at the island's brand new super-club, Amnesia.

Pumping club scenes are used sparingly and the best parts are shot in more solitary locations. There's an intergenerational romance and a subplot involving the Nazis. On paper, it sounds like it should be rubbish, but it's actually worth a watch more than the synopsis suggests.


All about Jon

Born Balearic: Jon Sa Trinxa and the Spirit of Ibiza | Independent | dir Lily Rinae | 2019

Capturing the essence of Ibiza and Balearic beat, Born Balearic takes you on a journey around the island. The documentary covers the course of 25 years through the career of Jon Sa Trinxa, resident DJ of the legendary Salinas beach club.

Far from the stereotypical portrayals of Ibiza, Born Balearic presents a candid reflection of a different side of this protean island.

We're certain you'll find the soundtrack and cinematography irresistible. One thing is for sure, watching it will make you long for those summer days on the beach.


So wrong, it feels right

It's All Gone Pete Tong | Independent | dir Michael Dowse | 2004

Comedian Paul Kaye plays fictional superstar DJ Frankie Wilde as his world is about to come crashing down. The cautionary tale is poignant, with themes of mental health, addiction and Wilde's loss of hearing, whilst still delivering on laughs. Just don't ask us about the badger scene.

Full of industry cameos and in-jokes, who can you spot as a talking head in the spoof docu-style?


Superstar DJs, here we go!

Kevin & Perry Go Large | Tiger Aspect | dir Ed Bye | 2000

"All I wanna do is do it!"

Everybody's guilty pleasure. We can remember going to the cinema as a teenager to watch this one! Even if you hate the film, chances are the soundtrack will still make the hairs on your neck stand on end. It's littered with Trance classics from the early '00s.

Otherwise, the best thing about it was Rhys Ifans' turn as obnoxious, prima donna DJ Eyeball Paul. Where did he get the inspiration from?

Taking place at Amnesia - where else? - this year's reunion party takes place during Ibiza Trance Event week on Tuesday 24 September. News on tickets will be available soon.


Keep your eye out for part two and a second round of films coming soon.

The Kevin & Perry Experience listings - 2024

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