Only 14% of films shot or dubbed in Catalan are shown in the Balearic Islands

PalmCinemas in the Balearic Islands screened only 16 of the 114 films and documentaries shot, dubbed, or subtitled in Catalan that premiered in the commercial circuit during 2025. This figure represents 14% of the total and places the Balearic Islands as the Catalan-speaking territory with the least presence of Catalan-language films, according to a report by Plataforma per la Lle. The study, based on data from the Department of Linguistic Policy of the Generalitat of Catalonia and information provided by distributors and exhibitors, confirms that 85% of Catalan-language releases in 2025 could not be seen in the Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands, or Andorra. All of the Catalan-language films reached cinemas in Catalonia, but only 20 were screened in the Valencian Community (17.5%). 17 in Andorra (14.9%), and 16 in the Balearic Islands. Only two titles, Wolfgang and Sea and skyThe films could be seen in all four territories, though not always simultaneously. The report reveals a "very uneven" distribution of Catalan-language cinema and an "extremely limited" offering outside of Catalonia. In the Balearic Islands, almost all premieres were concentrated in Palma, mainly at CineCiutat, with a negligible presence on the other islands. Regarding the version, ten of the 16 films screened in the Balearic Islands were shown in their original Catalan. Dubbing is very uncommon, which, according to Plataforma per la Llengua (Platform for the Language), limits the accessibility of Catalan-language cinema to a wider audience. The organization points out that even when films are dubbed or subtitled, theaters tend to schedule few screenings, at off-peak times, for only a few days, and without significant promotion. This makes it difficult for audiences to become aware of the available films and establish a habit of going to Catalan-language cinemas.

Plataforma per la Lengua rejects the notion that the problem is a lack of audience and points directly to a lack of supply. It cites the recent success of Catalan-language productions such as Alcarràs, House on fire, The 47 and Wolfgang, Among other things, it calls on government agencies for more support for dubbing and subtitling, as well as mechanisms to guarantee compliance with current regulations and effective promotion of Catalan versions. It also proposes incentive measures for cinemas, such as increasing subsidies based on the number of days a film is shown or establishing a Catalan Cinema Day with reduced prices. "Going to the cinema in Catalan should be a normalized and accessible option, not an act of activism," the organization argues.