ANIMAC CONSOLIDATES ITS ROLE AS A SPACE FOR MEETING AND INTERNATIONAL IMPULSE ON ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
febrer 22th 2026
The 30th edition of Animac, the Mostra Internacional de Cinema d’Animació de Catalunya, organized by Lleida City Council from February 19 to 22, has confirmed that, three decades after its birth, the project is much more than an exhibition space: it has established itself as an international meeting point, a project laboratory and an effective platform for connecting emerging talent and leading professionals.
The director, Carolina López, has emphasized the impact of the masterclasses, conferences and professional meetings, as well as the strength of the Incubator, which has generated “very strong moments of connection” and has opened the door to new projects. The presence of top-level international figures has highlighted such as Ron Dyens, Oscar-winning producer of “Flow” (2024, Latvia); Nora TwomeyHonorary Laureate and co-founder of Cartoon Saloon; Sébastien Laudenbach, who has premiered the work in progress of “Viva Carmen” (2026, France); or Andreas Hykade, Animation Master Award of this edition. According to López, the fact that creators of this level have wanted to be in Lleida and share processes with students and young authors confirms the international projection of Animac’s professional space and its close nature: “Animac is a friendly place, where young creators can talk face to face with international references”. The director especially wanted to highlight the generosity with which the guests have shared experiences and creative processes.
This year, in addition, the Incubator Prize has been added as a novelty, endowed with 2,000 euros financed by the Fundació de les Arts de Lleida, with the aim of reinforcing support for projects in development, production or post-production. This new distinction consolidates Animac’s commitment to also be a driving force for supporting emerging talent, beyond the exhibition.
For her part, the Councilor for Culture of the Lleida City Council, Pilar Bosch, has pointed out that Animac is “an inspiration for future talents” and a space that facilitates direct connection between students and established professionals. Bosch recalled that the Mostra does not end with the days of in-person programming: the more than 25,000 people who have passed through Animac will have continuity through the Filmin platform and also in the exhibition field, with works that will remain in the city, such as Hamill’s installations at the Morera, Julia Ocker’s drawings at La Panera and the exhibition of the artists who have created the image of Animac over the years at the Espai Cavallers.
In quantitative terms, Animac has registered 1,017 people in parallel activities and 12,257 students in school sessions, reaffirming its educational and territorial commitment. The programming has exceeded 230 titles, with 12 world premieres, 11 international premieres, 55 in Spain and 39 in Catalonia, as well as 59 debut works.
The Incubator has received 111 projects from 14 countries and has selected 12, consolidating itself as a competitive and high-level space within the sector. In the professional field, 60 PRO accredited and 569 Campus students from 24 schools have participated in the training activities, reinforcing Animac’s role as a development platform and network.
The 30th edition will close this afternoon with the closing ceremony and the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Montxo Algora, artist and curator, founder and director of ArtFutura, pioneer in the introduction and consolidation of contemporary digital culture in the Spanish State. His career, linked to artistic creation and reflection on technology and art, symbolizes the spirit of Animac: exploring the limits of audiovisual language and anticipating changes in the sector.
The exhibition has the support of CaixaForum Lleida, the Fundació de les Arts de Lleida, the Ministry of Culture (ICAA), the Provincial Council of Lleida (IEI) and the ICEC of the Department of Culture of the Generalitat of Catalonia.
