Spanish cinema is currently in the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival, with two films in the official competition and another selected for Critics’ Week. However, the industry is facing a significant shakeup as Domingo Corral, Movistar Plus+ director of fiction and entertainment, is leaving the company. Corral has been a driving force behind Movistar Plus+’s original storytelling for over a decade, leading the platform to become one of Europe’s top producers of scripted content.
His departure, amidst other high-level leadership changes at Telefónica and Movistar Plus+, has left the creative community in shock. While no official reason was given, industry insiders point to internal restructuring and shifts in corporate strategy. This news comes at a time when Spanish cinema is gaining international recognition, making Corral’s exit even more impactful.
The response from the Spanish entertainment sector has been overwhelming, with nearly 150 prominent figures, including Pedro and Agustín Almodóvar, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, and Alejandro Amenábar, expressing their gratitude and concern in an open letter. They credit Corral for elevating Spanish stories and creating a collaborative environment that values creative respect and transparency.
The next generation of Spanish artists, such as Los Javis, Leticia Dolera, Rodrigo Sorogoyen, and Oliver Laxe, have also joined in the appeal to preserve the cultural ecosystem that Corral has nurtured. His leadership has resulted in hits like “Querer” and “La Mesías,” which have become emblematic of Spain’s innovative narrative voice, driven by authenticity, experimentation, and artistic risk.
The open letter serves as a subtle warning to incoming executives Jorge Pezzi and Hugo Tomás, who are taking over fiction and entertainment at Movistar Plus+. The creative community is urging them to uphold the principles that have made Movistar Plus+ a champion of independent and groundbreaking work.
The impact of Corral’s work is evident in the list of co-signees on the open letter, which includes a wide range of industry professionals who have been inspired by his dedication, honesty, and transparency. As Spain’s artistic voice continues to evolve on the global stage, the legacy of Domingo Corral and his team at Movistar Plus+ will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated.
