Residents in Girona's Barri Vell want the city to end fee exemptions for film productions using its historic streets. The latest trigger is Disney's live-action adaptation of Enredados, which has turned the iconic cathedral steps and surrounding areas into a medieval set. Crews of up to 500 people are working on elaborate scenes, while banners have appeared on balconies reading “We are a neighborhood, not a set” and “We want a neighborhood to live in, not just survive.”
The neighborhood association Barri Vell-Mercadal is preparing a formal motion for the city council, calling on audiovisual companies to pay the standard municipal rate for occupying public spaces. Residents say current tax breaks and exemptions for film, television, and video shoots unfairly shift the costs of security and cleaning, along with mobility restrictions and wear on public infrastructure, onto the local community. The association says any use of public space should serve the general interest. It proposes using fee revenue to conserve heritage and improve public spaces, while compensating affected residents and businesses.
The draft motion also calls for tighter controls on filming schedules. It would cap annual shoot days and require rest periods between productions. Commercial shoots would be banned on weekends and holidays, including during peak event seasons. Additional measures would protect residents from excessive noise and light.
For many locals, the Disney production is the latest example of a broader trend. They point to more large-scale events and festivals, alongside rising tourism, which they say have eroded the neighborhood's residential character. Some residents remember when Barri Vell was defined by local shops and daily routines, rather than constant closures and disruptions. Girona's screen-tourism profile is also part of the debate: visitor itineraries take in the Old Town, including the Cathedral, and the Jewish Quarter and Iron Bridge. Some routes also feature locations associated with Game of Thrones. Their frustration echoes debates in other Spanish cities, such as Valencia, where the planned demolition of Mestalla stadium has raised concerns about the loss of urban identity, an issue explored in recent coverage of Valencia's urban development controversies.
Girona officials defend the current policy, saying film shoots bring international attention and economic benefits. Municipal sources say productions such as Tomb Raider for Amazon Prime Video have generated impressive local revenue. They estimate the last major shoot brought in €1.4 million. The city acknowledges the inconvenience to residents and says it works to minimize disruption: it gives advance notice and communicates directly with neighborhood groups, and holds open meetings. The tourism sector also points to the promotional value of these productions, though some guides say filming can complicate their work, especially during busy periods. The Spain Film Commission describes local film-commission support as free administrative assistance to productions, citing Vitoria-Gasteiz as an example. That support is separate from any municipal charge for occupying streets or public infrastructure.
The debate in Girona reflects a wider challenge for historic cities balancing economic chance with residents' quality of life. As Barri Vell continues to attract major productions, the outcome of the residents' motion could set a precedent for how Spanish cities manage heritage and commerce while accounting for community interests. In Spain, municipalities typically regulate commercial use of public spaces, with local councils setting fees and conditions through their fiscal frameworks. The growing popularity of Spanish locations for international shoots has intensified scrutiny of these policies, especially in areas with high tourism and limited residential space. Girona's case may influence future decisions in other heritage-rich cities facing similar pressures.
