Natalia Verbeke, Julián López, Ángela Cervantes and Vebjørn Enger star in this film based on the successful stage play of the same name
Cristina Clemente and Marc Angelet, authors of the original script for the stage, also wrote the film’s screenplay
The film will debut in Spanish cinemas from April 1st, 2026, under distribution by A Contracorriente Films
THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO unveilstoday both the teaser and the release date of WELCOME TO LAPLAND, a film directed by David Serrano set for release in movie theaters in Spain from April 1st, distributed by A Contracorriente Films.
Adapted from the critically acclaimed stage play of the same name – a hit in Spain and abroad, with productions in the United States, Croatia, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Venezuela, and the Czech Republic – WELCOME TO LAPLANDbreaks with classic family comedy tropes, taking a wry look at the ethical and moral dilemmas of daily life.
Driven by brilliant dialogue and a keen eye for family dynamics, white lies, traditions, and social conventions, WELCOME TO LAPLAND uses humor as a vehicle for reflection. It’s a film about family but not apt for the whole family – it’s definitely not one to watch with the little ones.
The director of WELCOME TO LAPLAND is David Serrano (Voy a pasármelo bien, Football Days, whose work earned a Goya nomination for Best New Directorand who co-wrote, among other films, Other Side of The Bed, which won the 2002 Málaga Film Festival’s Golden Biznaga for Best Feature Film). The film’s screenplay is penned by Cristina Clemente and Marc Angelet, based on an original concept developed with Jordi Casanovas.
Natalia Verbeke (The Other Side of The Bed, The Method), Julian Lopez (Los destellos, Pain and Glory), Ángela Cervantes (The Fury, El mal invisible) and Vebjørn Enger (The Ash Lad: In Search of the Golden Castle) star in the film, which takes place on Christmas Eve in the Finnish city of Rovaniemi, capital of the Lapland region and reputed origin and home of Father Christmas.
After several years without spending the holidays together, Nuria (Ángela Cervantes), now living in Lapland with her husband Olavi (Vebjørn Enger) and their daughter, invites her sister Mónica (Natalia Verbeke), her brother-in-law (Julián López), and their son to enjoy a picture-perfect Christmas in her home in Rovaniemi. Everything seems to be working out perfectly until Nuria’s daughter happens to tell her little cousin that the man in red with a white beard who supposedly leaves gifts for well-behaved children doesn’t actually exist, and that Santa Claus is simply a character invented by parents to manipulate their kids. What was meant to be the most magical Christmas suddenly unravels into a family free-for-all embroiling sisters, in-laws, and cousins. Over the course of one chaotic night, unmentionable secrets surface amid a heated debate over whether it’s better to tell the truth at any price or to preserve an illusion, even one built on a web of lies.
WELCOME TO LAPLAND was made in association with Movistar Plus+, RTVE and 3Cat. THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO Distribution is handling international sales.