Barcelona is once again the backdrop for a new romantic comedy, as filming commenced on February 24th for “Citas” (roughly translated as “Dates”). The film, a continuation of the popular “Citas” series, promises to capture the magic of Sant Jordi, Barcelona’s annual celebration of love and literature, and weave together multiple contemporary love stories. The project marks a significant step for the franchise, transitioning from the small screen to the sizeable screen with a stellar cast and a fresh narrative.
Created by Pau Freixas and directed by Gemma Ferraté, “Citas” will unfold over the course of a single Sant Jordi day, a time when the streets of Barcelona are filled with book stalls, roses, and hopeful couples. The film aims to explore the complexities of modern relationships through four interconnected stories, blending realism with aspirational romance. The production, a collaboration between Filmax and CITAS LA PELÍCULA, AIE, has secured funding from the ICAA and collaboration with Prime Video, with Filmax handling distribution in cinemas.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Stories to Life
The ensemble cast is led by some of Spain’s most acclaimed actors, including Natalia Verbeke (“El refugio atómico”), Javier Rey (winner of the Feroz Award for Best Leading Actor for “Fariña”), and Susana Abaitua (nominated for a Goya Award for “Una fantasma en la batalla”). Joining them are Oriol Pla (recipient of a Feroz, Forqué, and International Emmy Award for “Yo, adicto”), Álvaro Mel (“Manual para señoritas”), Ana Valeria Becerril (winner of an Ariel Award for “Las hijas de Abril”), Christian Checa (“Enemigos”), and Berta Castañé (“Bienvenidos a Edén”). Rounding out the cast are Àlex Brendemühl, Paula Malia, and Àlex Maruny, adding further depth and experience to the project.
The film builds upon the success of the previous “Citas” iterations, having originated as a series and then evolving into “Citas Barcelona.” According to Noticine, the film maintains the essence that made the series a hit although introducing new stories and characters.
Filming to Take Place Over Seven Weeks in Barcelona
Principal photography began on February 24th and is scheduled to continue for seven weeks across various locations in Barcelona. Clara Esparrach penned the screenplay, while Pau Freixas remains involved as a producer, ensuring the film stays true to the spirit of the original series. The production team is led by Lucía Faraig as the cinematographer. The choice of Barcelona as the primary filming location is central to the film’s identity, leveraging the city’s romantic atmosphere and iconic landmarks.
The project has already generated buzz on social media, with announcements from LunesSeriefilos on X and an Instagram reel highlighting the start of filming and the excitement surrounding the cast and crew. The timing of the film’s release is strategically aligned with the spirit of Sant Jordi, capitalizing on the city’s romantic energy.
“Citas” promises to be a compelling exploration of love in the modern age, set against the vibrant backdrop of Barcelona’s most romantic day. The film is expected to resonate with audiences who enjoyed the previous iterations of “Citas” and those seeking a fresh, relatable romantic comedy. The seven-week filming schedule suggests a potential release date later in 2026, though a specific date has not yet been announced.
As filming progresses, audiences can anticipate further updates and glimpses into the world of “Citas.” The combination of a talented cast, a captivating setting, and a relatable premise positions this film as a promising addition to the romantic comedy genre. Stay tuned for more information as the production unfolds and the release date approaches.
What are your thoughts on the transition of “Citas” from a series to a film? Share your excitement in the comments below!
