The first significant deal at last year’s Marché du Film was Neon’s acquisition of Pablo Berger’s eventual Oscar nominee, “Robot Dreams.” Whether or not another Spanish animated film can have that kind of impact in 2024 remains to be seen, but there is a long list of contenders to consider.
Perhaps the buzziest Spanish title at this year’s market is adult animation auteur Alberto Vázquez’s “Decorado,” sold by French powerhouse Le Pacte. Like his previous titles, “Decorado” is based on a Vázquez short adapted from one of his graphic novels. Uniko, Abano Producións, The Glow Animation Studio and Sardinha em Lata produce.
“Girl and Wolf” marks the feature debut of animator and graphic novelist Roc Espinet, touted as Spain’s next adult animation auteur. Produced by Hampa Studio, Sygnatia and Alesa Films, the Latido-sold film will certainly look an appealing prospect to distributors of indie animation.
Estefanía Piñeres’ family fantasy film “Mu-Ki-Ra” will be featured in the Marché du Film’s Annecy Animation Showcase. Letrario in Colombia and Abano Producións in Spain co-produce this story about a land haunted by monsters made of plants.
David Bisbano’s “Dalia and the Red Book,” previously picked up by Disney in Latin America, will get a Marché du Film market screening this year. The mixed-technique kids and family feature is produced by Argentina’s FilmSharks and Vista Sur Films with Barcelona-based companies Mr. Miyagi Films and Doce Entertainment.
José Corral’s feature debut “Norbert” will also screen at the Cannes Film Market. At last year’s Marché du Film, Pink Parrot picked up North American rights to the family-targeted CG film about an inept spy. Producers include Captain Arañ, Aquí y Allí Films and Vista Sur.
Filmax is showcasing “The Treasure of Barracuda” at this year’s market. A co-production between Valencia’s Hampa Studio and Barcelona’s Inicia Films, the vibrant 2D kids and family title tells the story of a young girl who accidentally ends up on a pirate ship searching for lost treasure. Adriá Garcia directs.
Three Spanish features were picked to compete at this year’s Annecy festival and are now likely in the crosshairs of buyers from around the world: María Trenor’s “Rock Bottom,” produced by Alba Sotorra with co-producers GS Animation, Jaibo Films and Empatic; Isabel Herguera’s “Sultana’s Dream,” produced by Spain’s Sultana Films, El Gatoverde Producciones, Abano Producións, Uniko and Fabian & Fred; and David Baute’s “Black Butterflies,” produced by Ikiru Films, Tinglado Film and the Anangu Group.
Source Agencies
