LITTLE BIG BOY

The summer months, as well as November and December, saved a year whose first half did not record good figures. However, Spanish cinema and local distributors ended up being the year's big winners, increasing their revenues compared to 2023.

For over two decades at the helm of Latido Films, Antonio Saura has sold key titles of Spanish cinema worldwide. Moreover, his unique experience in the sector is also backed by his credits as a producer for Zampa Audiovisual and Zebra Producciones, as well as his role as deputy chairman of the European Film Academy from 2008 to 2019, and his two-year tenure as director of the Media Business School, one of the most prominent international business training institutions. Saura’s historical perspective is undoubtedly exceptional in terms of the history of Spanish cinema and its global reach.

Some recent, brilliant Spanish titles in Latido line-up include Isaki Lacuesta’s “Saturn Return”, Carlos Marques-Marcet’s “They Will Be Dust”, Antón Álvarez’s “The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortés” or David Pérez Sañudo’s “The Last Romantics”.

A stronger legal framework of support, compatible with the different territories to promote European co-productions, the improvement of tax incentives linking them to the retention of intellectual property (IP), the imperative need to review and correct the underfunded children's programming, as well as to strengthen its protection and the development of a common guide on good sustainable practices are some of the conclusions and objectives of work that they highlighted in Animar_BCN, a brainstorming event that was held last November in Barcelona.

The presence of Spanish titles in the official sections of the Annecy festival, alongside projects showcased in the market area (MIFA), and initiatives supported by ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, underscores a trend long suggested by both local and international media. Spanish animation is undergoing a notable expansion, indicating a trajectory far beyond mere fleeting success.

From Cannes to the Quirino Awards, Spain's animation industry celebrates a surge in international recognition, buoyed by diverse productions and strategic collaborations, heralding a promising future for the sector.

The names of the projects selected to represent the Spanish film industry at the Cannes Film Festival market have been announced: five producers will participate in the Producers Network's Spanish Spotlight, four documentary proposals will be presented in the Spanish Showcase at Cannes Docs, five projects in development will be presented by Spanish Screenings at Goes to Cannes and eight short films will be shown at the Short Film Corner. 

Spain will continue to celebrate and promote its achievements in Cannes at the upcoming Marché du Film, the world’s biggest international film market event, taking place from 16 to 24 May during the 76th edition of the Festival de Cannes.

The rise of the animation industry in Spain was one of the narrative benchmarks of this event, held from September 19 to 22 in the French city of Toulouse