Hollywood in Pollença: Eva Longoria Films — Padel, Festival Atmosphere and the Question of Who Benefits

A touch of Hollywood, real morning humidity: what's happening in Pollença right now

Early in the morning the moisture still clings to the sandstone walls of the old fortress Sa Fortaleza when cable reels are rolled across the paving stones. For several days a new rhythm has mixed into the otherwise familiar sounds of seagulls and applause at the harbour: sound from the speakers, instructions in an English hiss, and now and then the clatter of camera equipment. The team of 'The Last Sunrise' shoot has chosen Pollença as a backdrop — and with it names like Eva Longoria, Maia Reficco, Fernándo Lindez and Amaury Nolasco.

The bright side: attention, visitors, small extra income

The immediate effect is noticeable. Cafés on the Plaça and at the harbour are filling up with crew members, a few tailors and makeup teams refuel with bocadillos and a quick cortado. For some café owners this is a welcome reminder of how important visibility is. Tourists stop, take photos, and some hope for a brief glance from the stars. The shoot is a small advertisement for the north of Mallorca — Mediterranean light, narrow streets and the sea in the background sell well.

And then there is the liveliness: padel breaks at the harbour, in which Eva Longoria and Amaury Nolasco laugh openly and play against each other with ambition; a coach says the duels are loud enough to scare off fish. Such scenes bring a real, unvarnished image of Mallorca into the media — not a red carpet, but everyday life lived between set and coffee cup.

The key question: who really benefits — the island or just the production in the short term?

As charming as all this may seem, the central question remains: when the trucks move on, is there only an Instagram story left — or does Pollença benefit in the long term? With Evolution Film Festival coverage and large shoots people rarely talk about side effects: road closures, changed delivery times for shops, extra pressure on parking and — very concretely — the use of historic sites like Sa Fortaleza.

A film set brings money in the short term: catering, overnight stays, local service providers. But often the technically demanding jobs come in the form of external teams, vans with foreign plates and subcontractors who were not always hired locally. The result: visibility yes, structural benefit rather limited.

What is rarely said: climate, monument protection, local jobs

Film productions require infrastructure — generators, stage constructions, lighting. That raises questions: how is electricity consumption handled? What protective measures are in place for historic walls and the flora at exposed coastal spots? And: are local craftsmen, technicians or extras involved, or does most of the money stay off the island?

These aspects are often overlooked in public debate. A set can operate gently and cooperatively — but that requires municipalities to formulate clear conditions and producers to be willing to invest in the local economy.

Concrete opportunities and proposals for Pollença

So what can be done to ensure a shoot is more than just a brief sparkle on the tourist clock? Some proposals that are deliberately pragmatic and local:

1. Promote local employment: Permits could require a share of service jobs to be awarded to local companies — from catering to technical assistance.

2. Transparent communication: Early information for residents about road closures and alternative access routes reduces annoyance and misunderstandings. A notice at the town hall or a digital bulletin helps.

3. Protect sensitive sites: Sa Fortaleza is not just a backdrop but cultural heritage. Temporary loads should be limited and restoration checks after filming made mandatory.

4. Sustainability check: Paradiso as a Set: How Sustainable Are Netflix Shoots on Mallorca? Producers could be obliged to offset emissions or use renewable energy on site — a plus for image and environment.

5. Visibility for local offerings: Partnerships in which local shops, restaurants or craftsmen appear as part of the production design create lasting promotional value.

Looking ahead: between excitement and a sense of responsibility

The presence of stars like Eva Longoria attracts attention — and that is an opportunity for Pollença, the island and its businesses. It is important that the municipality, local entrepreneurs and producers see the cooperation as a long-term project. Then, after the cameras are packed away, more will remain than a few autographs: real jobs, minimal collateral damage and maybe better preparation for the next visit by Hollywood guests.

If you stroll the narrow streets in the coming weeks: keep your eyes open, be respectful — and perhaps ask the café owner on the corner a few questions. Often it is the small stories behind the scenes that ultimately reveal more about the benefits of a shoot than any headline.

Note: Observations are based on on-site research and conversations with residents and service providers. Shooting schedules may still change.