ANIMAC 2025: AN EDITION TO REDISCOVER THE ANIMAL KINGDOM THROUGH ANIMATION

The 29th International Animated Film Exhibition of Catalonia, ANIMAC, organized by the Lleida City Council, which will take place in Lleida from February 20 to 23, 2025, this year proposes an in-depth look about our connection with the animal kingdom under the motto We, Animals. This edition will reflect on how humans are approaching animals in different areas and how animated films help to understand and represent this relationship, which is increasingly conscious and respectful of nature.

Carolina López, director of ANIMAC, highlights: “Animation has been an exceptional platform to explore the complex relationship we have with animals, from classic characters like Mickey Mouse to contemporary stories that invite us to reflect on the biodiversity and respect for the planet we share.”With examples ranging from classical and anthropomorphic representations to more modern narratives, ANIMAC 2025 will explore the multiple ways in which animals are protagonists and allies in the animated imagination.

The programming of this edition will offer a selection of films that will not only make us enjoy, but will also allow us to reflect on the role of animals in our world and how their stories reflect our own values ​​and responsibilities. “With this new edition, we also want to highlight the work of independent artists who, with an innovative vision, have been pioneers in representing animals in a way that transcends traditional stereotypes,” adds Lopez.

The theme is also reflected in the ANIMAC 2025 poster, the work of the illustrator and animator Rocío Álvarez, who defines her work as “a set of miniature fables, a kind of vintage sticker album that also evokes the wall of a well-known social network. In the central scene of the poster, the figure of a woman stands out, symbolizing humanity, oscillating between her mammalian, nurturing side, and her cybernetic side with a robotic implant that helps her manage her inseparable mobile phone.

The poster also includes satirical scenes that imagine a future where humans and animals merge with the consequences of environmental impact and climate change. “We find, for example, a chimpanzee with an isothermal suit, a spider that weaves wool for human use or some ants transporting pieces of chip in their endless row. And one of my favorites: the tourist cockroach with four-wheeled suitcases,” says Álvarez, who describes his creation as a “reflection on the role of humans as animals and of animals as beings adapted to our artificial world.”.

Graphically, Álvarez has opted for a retro-futuristic style, using painting, collage and artificial intelligence tools to give the poster a new three-dimensionality. “I have experimented with textures and materials that make the characters look like plasticine or rusty iron sculptures, providing a visual dialogue between tradition and innovation.” This collaboration with the artist Saponiak has been key to exploring new forms of artistic creation.

The ANIMAC 2025 poster is, therefore, a perfect reflection of the motto We, Animals and the spirit of this edition: exploring the dialogue between humans, animals and technology from a critical, creative perspective and with environmental awareness.

ANIMAC has received a total of 721 films in an open call for the 2025 edition. These productions come from a total of 71 countries, among which the high number of French origin stands out with 171 films, followed by Spain (70). , United Kingdom (39), United States (34), Germany (31) and Canada (34). It is worth highlighting the significant increase in the number of films received, 159 more than the previous year, as well as the expansion of the countries of origin, which in 2024 was limited to 562 films from 53 countries.

Despite the profound changes that the animation sector is experiencing, the most creative and independent aspect continues to stand out as a key form of artistic expression for directors and artists around the world. Proof of this is the creativity that is reflected each year in the works selected at ANIMAC, consolidating the exhibition as an essential space for author animation.

As for the shorts coming from animation schools, this year the number rises to 283, which represents almost 40% of the total number of films presented. A fact that highlights ANIMAC’s prominent role in discovering new talents and offering young people a platform to project their first works in the field of animation.

On the other hand, registrations for the Pro section (ANIMAC professional section) are open on the Mostra website until December 13, which includes:

– Incubator, the space in which projects under development are presented to a panel of experts to help them grow.

– Animacrea, a space open to everyone where animation schools and universities present workshops and activities.

– Animac Campus, the section dedicated to film and animation students.

– Accreditations for professionals in the sector and companies.