Dep. Legal A PM 42-2025 - 140 - 2004 - ISSN - ISSN 3015-1309 2488-1686
Mallorca I No. 2128 I 16 - 22 April 2026 I FREE Newspaper
Island hosts global awards Credit: Mike Workman / Shutterstock
Cutting edge AI and film event
Ode to oranges
Famous Fira de la Taronja festival EVERY spring, the valley town of Soller bursts into colour and citrus-scented celebration for its much-loved Fira de la Taronja, a festival rooted in the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Dating back decades, the fair honours Soller’s historic orange groves, once a vital export industry that connected Mallorca to mainland Europe. The 2026 edition proved as vibrant as ever. The programme drew strong crowds, with locals and visitors turning out in large numbers to take part in a packed schedule of activities and competitions. A highlight of the day was an emotional address by this year’s preacher, Guillem Coll, while Margalida Llobera was honoured for her longstanding contribution to the community. Among the competitions, the ever-popular ‘How many oranges?’ challenge tallied 258 fruits. In the sweet contest, young baker Miquel Fontanet Marcús won the children’s category, while Laura Marcús and Antonia Rodriguez took top honours for presentation and taste. In the shop window contest, Bloss You claimed first prize, followed by CABRABOC. The festivities ensured Soller’s citrus legacy not only endures, but will continue to flourish for generations to come.
MALLORCA is preparing to step into the global spotlight as Magaluf transforms into a hub for cutting-edge cinema later this month. The island will host the AI Movie Awards, a two-day international event bringing together leading creatives from Hollywood and across Europe to explore the rapidly evolving relationship between filmmaking and artificial intelligence. Set to take place on April 24 and 25 at the Meliá South Beach hotel, the festival aims to position the island at the forefront of audiovisual innovation. Organisers say the event will gather an influential mix of producers, directors, technologists and branding experts, all contributing to discussions around how AI is reshaping storytelling and production processes.
A high-profile jury underscores the event’s ambition. Among those confirmed are blockbuster producer Tommy Harper, known for major global franchises, and Fab Morvan, the Grammy-nominated artist and producer. They will be joined by internationally recognised creative Felipe Galvão and Mike Day, CEO of Palma Pictures, who together will assess shortlisted works created using AI-driven techniques. Beyond screenings, the programme will feature panels, workshops and live creative sessions, offering insight into both the technical and artistic possibilities of artificial intelligence in film. Directors from across Europe are expected to attend, sharing their workflows and experiences as the industry
undergoes rapid transformation. Local officials see the event as more than a festival. It forms part of a broader strategy to reposition Magaluf as a destination for high-value, sustainable tourism, while
attracting international investment and talent to the island. By blending creativity, technology and networking, the AI Movie Awards aim to establish Mallorca as a yearround centre for innovation in the global film landscape.
Credit: Ajuntament de Soller
The new ‘Cannes’ of AI?
Soller celebrates its signature fruit.