Woody Allen's latest film, starring Penelope Cruz (pic) and Scarlett Johansson, is set to spark political controversy in Spain.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is filmed in the eponymous city, capital of the fiercely independent region of Catalonia. Local officials have announced that the English-language film will be either dubbed or subtitled into Catalan, not Spanish, even though the latter is the language of Cruz and her co-star Javier Bardem.
Jaume Roures, co-producer and head of the Mediapro company, made the announcement on radio, adding, "Barcelona is filmed as it has never been seen before. People who know Barcelona a little will be keen to see it."
City authorities provided funding of £700,000 towards the film, prompting criticism from local politicians who complained that Allen was receiving special treatment. However, Roures attacked their "small-minded attitude".
Vicky Cristina Barcelona tells the story of a tourist visiting the city. It's Allen's second film in the country since his decision to leave London for Spain.