Culture and arts
Overbooking Documentary
Overbooking, a landmark documentary directed by Álex Dioscórides and produced by Joe Holles de Peyer under the auspices of the Fundació Iniciatives del Mediterrani, critically examines the profound impact of mass tourism on Mallorca. Released in 2019, this documentary quickly became a cultural phenomenon in Mallorca, leading the national charts as the most-watched documentary for several months. The film's powerful narrative, combining archival footage, interviews, and insightful commentary, resonated deeply with Mallorcans, leading to sell-out screenings at Palma's iconic Cine Augusta. Initially scheduled for a two-week run, the film’s overwhelming popularity extended its screening for over two months, attracting full houses daily and generating an unprecedented impact on Mallorcan society.
Leading Entity
FIM
Year
2019
Key Partnerns
MallorcaDocs
State of the Project
Released
Keywords
Overtourism, citizen mobilization, development model
Sustainable Development Goals
The Challenge
Mallorca's transformation from a tranquil island into a global tourism hotspot has brought significant challenges. The rapid growth of the tourism industry, particularly driven by cruise ships and illegal holiday rentals, has led to environmental degradation, social displacement, and economic imbalances.
Overbooking highlights the urgent need to address these issues by showcasing the adverse effects of overtourism on the island's environment, culture, and local communities.
The Solution
Through a compelling mix of interviews with activists, local residents, tourism workers, and academics, Overbooking provides a nuanced analysis of the complex relationship between tourism and the island’s sustainability. The documentary was groundbreaking in that it was the first time leading opinion makers from across the political spectrum came together to denounce the overexploitation of Mallorca by mass tourism.
This unified stance against overtourism marked a significant moment in Mallorcan society, strengthening the coordination of civil society groups and leading to the establishment of various social forums aimed at tackling the problem.
Key Initiatives
- Environmental and Social Impact: The film delves into the environmental damage caused by mass tourism, including pollution and habitat destruction, while also examining the social consequences such as the displacement of local residents and the erosion of cultural identity.
- Political and Social Unification: Overbooking was instrumental in bringing together diverse political viewpoints in a unified denunciation of overtourism, highlighting the widespread concern over the island’s future.
- Long-term Relevance: The documentary serves as an early warning of the overtourism trend that has only intensified in the post-COVID era, making it a seminal work in the ongoing resistance against unsustainable tourism practices.
Impact
Overbooking not only dominated the cultural landscape of Mallorca but also left a lasting legacy by sparking widespread debate and action. The film’s success at Cine Augusta, where it sold out daily for over two months, underscores its profound impact. Following the documentary, there was a significant increase in social activism, with various forums established to address the challenges of mass tourism. The film is now frequently cited as a pivotal work that galvanized public opinion and action against the overexploitation of Mallorca.
Key Partners
MallorcaDocs.
Future Outlook
As overtourism continues to be a pressing issue globally, Overbooking remains a critical reference point in discussions about sustainable tourism. The documentary’s insights are increasingly relevant as communities worldwide grapple with the challenges of balancing tourism with environmental and social sustainability.
Learn More
To watch Overbooking and explore its insights on mass tourism, visit Filmin.
