Barcelona: A Moviemaking Hotspot

.....	Director Woody Allen directing Vicky Cristina Barcelona

The mayor of Barcelona has commented on the city's appeal as a filmmaking destination following the recent success of the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona at this year's Academy Awards.

Penelope Cruz was named best supporting actress at the Oscars for her role in the Woody Allen movie.

Congratulating the actress on her accolade, Barcelona mayor Jordi Hereu said that the success of the film was an endorsement of the commitment that the city has to supporting culture and creativity.

Statistics from the city council show that 55 feature films, mini series and television movies were produced in Barcelona last year, as well as 425 documentaries and some 1,300 adverts.

Allen's film, which also stars Javier Bardem and Scarlett Johansson, features a number of Barcelona's famous landmarks and tourist attractions, including the Sagrada Familia church, the Rambla and the Museu Picasso.

The director began his career making movies in New York City but has recently shown an interest in cities in Europe, with the films Scoop, Cassandra's Dream and Match Point all set in London.