Animac Celebrates 30 Years as Animation Evolves with AI

The Catalan Animation Film Festival, Animac, opens its 30th edition this Thursday, February 19, 2026, with a focus on the changing landscape of animation and the impact of artificial intelligence. Directed by Carolina López Caballero, the festival will honor Nora Twomey and Andreas Hykade, and explore themes of change within the industry.

A Festival Born from Passion and Perseverance

Carolina López Caballero’s journey into animation began in the early 1990s with Fine Arts studies followed by animation training in England. Inspired by the vibrant animation scene she discovered abroad, she initially attempted to establish an animation festival in Catalonia in 1996, presenting a project to the Generalitat’s film department. Though that initial effort was unsuccessful, the idea resurfaced in 1996 when the Lleida City Council sought proposals for a cinema centenary celebration, leading to the birth of what would develop into Animac.

From Local Roots to International Recognition

Initially named Cinemàgic, the festival rebranded as Animac in its second year. In 2001, Carolina López Caballero was appointed director, bringing with her a vision for international author animation. She previously worked with the Anima’t section of the Sitges Festival. López Caballero emphasized exploring experimental animation and fostering connections within the field. A brief pause in 2003 saw Isabel Herguera take the helm, but López Caballero returned in 2012 with a renewed focus on connecting Animac with the local Lleida community, expanding programming for children and students.

The Technological Shift in Animation

Over the past three decades, animation has undergone a significant technological transformation. López Caballero notes that even as 3D animation initially threatened other techniques like stop-motion, both have continued to thrive. She observes a growing number of young animators embracing artisanal techniques alongside advancements in technology, resulting in a higher overall quality of animation. The success of Catalan stop-motion film Olivia and the invisible earthquake, which garnered awards at Annecy and the Gaudís, exemplifies this growth.

AI’s Impact on the Future of Animation

The rise of artificial intelligence presents both challenges and opportunities for the animation industry. López Caballero acknowledges the potential for AI to streamline processes like storyboarding but stresses the continued importance of human artistry and judgment. While AI may displace some jobs, it will also create new roles. She anticipates an initial period of experimentation with AI-generated animation, comparing it to the early days of 3D animation, and expresses concern about the potential for low-quality AI-generated content. However, she remains optimistic about the enduring power of human creativity.

Celebrating Masters and Inspiring New Talent

Animac has hosted numerous influential figures in animation, including Isao Takahata, the Quay Brothers, and Jan Švankmajer. López Caballero particularly highlights masterclasses by Michaël Dudok de Wit and Regina Pessoa, praising their insightful perspectives on the creative process. She notes that animators share qualities like a rich inner world, sensitivity, and respect for collaboration.

Animac 2026: Embracing Change

The 2026 edition of Animac, themed “Things change,” will kick off with an Honorary Award presentation to Nora Twomey, creative director of Cartoon Saloon, and an Animation Master award to Andreas Hykade. The festival will feature retrospectives of their work and masterclasses. Other guests include producer Ron Dyens and cartoonist Bea Lema, whose comic has been adapted into an animated short. Montxo Algora will also be honored for his contributions to digital culture.