Spanish movies earn more abroad for third straight year

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Spanish movies earned more money in 2010 at the foreign box office than on home turf for the third year in a row, the country's main film producers' association said Monday.

Total foreign box office earnings came in at 90 million euros ($128.8 million) last year against 80.3 million euros in ticket sales for Spanish movies at home, Fapae said in a statement.

A total of 91 Spanish movies were distributed abroad last year, an increase of around 7.0 percent on 2009.

Spanish cartoon movie "Planet 51" was distributed in 39 foreign countries, the largest number, followed by "Buried", a hit at the Sundance festival which was shown in 33 nations.

Murder mystery "The Secret in Their Eyes" followed in third place, having been screened in 30 foreign nations.