Málaga Film Festival Spotlights Rising Spanish Animation Talent
Málaga, Spain, is emerging as a key hub for Spanish animation, with the 29th Málaga Film Festival’s MAFIZ industry zone unveiling a robust lineup of upcoming projects. Following a showcase at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), the festival is presenting at least 13 animated features, with 10 highlighted at the Animation Trends Showcase on March 10th.1 These projects range from family-friendly stop-motion to young adult-focused stories, attracting co-producers, investors, sales agents, broadcasters, and distributors.
Featured Animated Projects
‘Girl and Wolf’
Hampa Studio, known for its Goya-nominated perform on “The Treasure of Barracuda” and “Paradise Buffet,” is developing “Girl and Wolf” (“Chica y lobo”).1 Directed by Roc Espinet, adapting his own graphic novel, the film centers on Paula, whose life is disrupted by a wolf attack, leading her into a world of hunters, spirits, and ancient wolves. Hampa Studio is seeking international sales for the project, which is currently in production.1
‘The Amalur Prophecy’
“The Amalur Prophecy” (“Amaluz Profezia”), from MB Producciones, follows Eguzki, a teenage girl with magical powers, as she discovers her destiny to save the world of Amalur, inspired by Basque mythology.1 The project, directed and produced by Myriam Ballesteros, is in advanced development with a completed script and 3D animatic teaser. Pre-sales have been secured with RTVE and EITB Media, and it received a Production Grant from the Basque Government. MB Producciones is seeking financing partners, co-producers, and international distribution partners.1
‘The Day Ewan McGregor Introduced Me to His Parents’
Multidisciplinary artist Lyona (Marta Puig) is presenting “The Day Ewan McGregor Introduced Me to His Parents,” a 2D animated feature exploring themes of love, sexuality, and motherhood.1 The film, characterized by Lyona’s minimalist illustration style, is currently in production, with Mister Miyagi Films seeking international sales agents and distributors.1
‘Flamingo Flamenco’
“Flamingo Flamenco,” a Spanish-German-Irish co-production powered by 3Doubles Producciones, Studio 100, Sumendi Uhartea, Capitán Araña and Telegael, is a 3D CGI adventure-comedy about a young flamingo named Rosie.1 Directed by Raúl García and Rob Sprackling, the film has been sold to over 100 countries through Studio 100 and is slated for delivery in Q1 2027.1
‘To Chill Out’
“A la Fresca” (“To Chill Out”), pitched by Victoria Plata Ramos and Sandra Morán Rodriguez, tells the story of Lola, an elderly woman who summons her deceased friends for companionship.1 The artists are seeking a production partner, financing, and an international sales agent for the 2D animated project.1
‘Almond Eyes’
“Almond Eyes” (“Ojos de Almendra”), adapted from a short story by Ana Gutiérrez Rubio, explores the complexities of romantic love and its potential to become destructive.1 Rubio is seeking co-producers, distributors, and sales agents for the in-development project.1
‘Run, Kuru, Run!’
Dibulitoon is presenting “¡Corre, Kuru, corre!” (“Run, Kuru, Run!”), a 3D-animated feature based on the acclaimed children’s book series.1 Directed by Agurtzane Intxaurraga, the film is set to be completed in September, and Dibulitoon is looking for international sales agents.1
Industry Discussions and Golden Talk
Alongside the project presentations, MAFIZ will host a roundtable discussion on promoting Spanish animation globally.1 “Trollhunters” director Rodrigo Blaas will also deliver a “Golden Talk.”1
Related reading