The Spanish television series En Tierra Lejana was officially recognized as the best series of the year in Spain, according to the Spanish Academy of Audiovisual Arts and Sciences (ACAM), but no public congratulations were issued by industry figures or the production team, according to multiple reports.
The announcement, made during the annual ACAM Awards ceremony in Madrid on December 15, 2023, marked the first time a series produced by the independent network Canal Sur had received the prestigious award. The ceremony, which typically draws prominent figures from the Spanish entertainment industry, saw a notable absence of public acknowledgments from either the show’s creators or its lead actors, sparking speculation about the reasons behind the silence.
According to El País, the award was presented to the series’ producer, María López, who delivered a brief acceptance speech emphasizing the “collective effort of the entire team.” However, no further statements were made by the show’s director, Javier Vélez, or its lead actress, Elena Ortega, who had previously been vocal about her support for the project on social media.
The lack of public reaction has led to debates within the Spanish media landscape. Some analysts suggest that the silence may stem from internal disagreements within the production team, while others speculate that the show’s unconventional narrative style—centered on the psychological struggles of a group of refugees—may have polarized certain factions of the industry.
Background on ‘En Tierra Lejana’
En Tierra Lejana, which translates to In a Distant Land, premiered in January 2023 and was praised for its unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by migrants navigating the Spanish legal system. The series, created by Vélez and co-written by journalist-turned-screenwriter Ana Martínez, was noted for its realistic dialogue and use of non-professional actors to depict the experiences of real-life refugees.
The show’s success was unexpected, as it competed against larger-budget productions from established networks like RTVE and Antena 3. ACAM’s award committee cited the series’ “emotional depth and cultural relevance” as key factors in its selection. “En Tierra Lejana challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about immigration,” said ACAM president Luis Fernández in a statement. “Its recognition is a testament to the power of storytelling in addressing societal issues.”
Despite the accolade, the production team has remained largely silent since the ceremony. When contacted by El Mundo, Lopez declined to comment, stating that the team was “focused on future projects.” Vélez and Ortega have not responded to requests for interviews.
Industry Reactions and Speculation
The absence of public acknowledgments has raised questions about the dynamics within Spain’s entertainment industry. Some critics argue that the silence reflects a broader trend of reluctance to engage with politically charged content. “There’s an unspoken pressure to avoid topics that might cause controversy,” said cultural analyst Carlos Rivera in an interview with 20 Minutos. “En Tierra Lejana tackled a sensitive issue head-on, and that may have made some industry figures hesitant to publicly support it.”
Others suggest that the lack of reaction could be attributed to logistical challenges. The series’ production team, which includes several first-time collaborators, has been focused on wrapping up post-production for a second season. “They’ve been working around the clock,” said a source close to the project, who requested anonymity. “It’s possible they simply haven’t had the time to address the award publicly.”
However, the silence has not gone unnoticed by the show’s fans. Social media platforms have seen a surge in discussions about the award, with some