Santa Cruz de Tenerife is preparing to host the ninth edition of the Premios Quirino Ibero-American Animation Awards on April 17th, celebrating the best in animation from across Latin America, Spain and Portugal. A total of 27 works from seven countries are competing for the prestigious awards, recognizing excellence in long-form features, series, short films, and technical achievements. The announcement of the nominees took place at the Instituto Cervantes in São Paulo, Brazil, underscoring the awards’ commitment to fostering collaboration and recognizing talent throughout the Ibero-American region.
The Premios Quirino have quickly become a pivotal event for the animation industry, not just as an awards ceremony, but as a platform for networking and co-production. Established in 2018, the awards aim to promote animation from the 23 countries comprising Ibero-America, providing a crucial space for filmmakers, producers, and distributors to connect and forge novel partnerships. This year’s event builds on that foundation, offering a Forum for Co-production and Business, and the Quirino Futures Lab, designed to foster strategic analysis and professional networking. The awards are sponsored by the Cabildo de Tenerife through Turismo de Tenerife and the Tenerife Film Commission, highlighting the island’s growing importance as a hub for animation production.
Spain and Portugal are leading the nominations with 11 and 7 works respectively, demonstrating the strength of animation production in the Iberian Peninsula. Argentina and Brazil are too strongly represented, with 6 and 4 nominations, followed by Colombia, Mexico, and Chile. This broad geographic representation speaks to the increasing diversity and quality of animation being produced across the Ibero-American landscape. The nominees were selected from a pool of 265 submissions, a testament to the growing interest in and vitality of the industry.
A Showcase of Diverse Storytelling
The competition is divided into seven main categories: Feature Film, Series, Short Film, School Short Film, Commissioned Film, Animation of a Video Game, and Music Video. Three technical categories will recognize outstanding achievement in Visual Development, Animation Design, and Sound Design and Original Music. The nominees reflect a wide range of styles, genres, and themes, showcasing the creative breadth of Ibero-American animation.
Among the contenders for Best Feature Film is Decorado, a Spanish production directed by Alberto Vázquez, which recently won the Goya Award for Best Animated Film. The Goya Awards website confirms Decorado’s win. It will compete against Olivia y el terremoto invisible, a stop-motion drama directed by Irene Iborra, as well as Coração das Trevas, a Brazilian debut from Rogério Nunes set in a futuristic Rio de Janeiro, and Soy Frankelda, a Mexican film by brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz.
The Best Series category features established international titles like the Spanish Pocoyó, competing with its sixth season, and the Brazilian Tainá e os Guardiões da Amazônia, which previously won an award in 2020. Rounding out the nominations are the Colombian series Hay algo detrás de ti and the Mexican adult comedy Mujeres con hombreras. These series demonstrate the versatility of Ibero-American animation, catering to diverse audiences and exploring a range of genres.
Spotlight on Short Films and Emerging Talent
The short film category is particularly strong this year, with Portuguese animation making a notable impact. Porque Hoje é Sábado, by Alice Eça Guimarães, and Cão Sozinho, directed by Marta Reis Andrade, are both nominated for Best Short Film. The category also includes the Spanish horror short El Fantasma de la Quinta, by James A. Castillo, and the Argentinian psychological thriller Luz Diabla, co-directed by Gervasio Canda, Paula Boffo, and Patricio Plaza. These short films showcase the innovative storytelling and technical skills of emerging animators.
The Premios Quirino also recognize student work with the School Short Film category, providing a platform for aspiring animators to gain recognition. This year’s nominees include Los carpinchos (Uruguay, France, Chile), A Menina com os Olhos Ocupados (Portugal), and Percebes (Portugal, France), as detailed on the official Premios Quirino website. These films demonstrate the talent and creativity being nurtured in animation schools across the Ibero-American region.
A Growing Ecosystem for Ibero-American Animation
Beyond the awards themselves, the Premios Quirino have evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem supporting the growth of the Ibero-American animation industry. The Forum for Co-production and Business provides a valuable opportunity for professionals to connect and collaborate on new projects. The Quirino Futures Lab offers a space for strategic analysis and discussion, addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. This holistic approach underscores the awards’ commitment to long-term sustainability and growth.
The international jury responsible for selecting the winners comprises experts from Brazil, Ireland, the Philippines, Colombia, and Croatia. The jury members include Brazilian animator, director, and producer Cesar Cabral, Irish animator Moe Honan, Filipina producer Marlyn Montano, Colombian-American producer Martha Sepúlveda, and Croatian animator Krešimir Zubčić. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will ensure a fair and insightful evaluation of the nominated works.
Key Takeaways
- The Premios Quirino are a leading celebration of Ibero-American animation, recognizing excellence in a variety of categories.
- This year’s event features 27 nominated works from seven countries, highlighting the growing diversity and quality of animation in the region.
- The awards serve as a platform for networking, co-production, and industry development, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Spain and Portugal are leading the nominations, demonstrating the strength of animation production in the Iberian Peninsula.
The ninth edition of the Premios Quirino promises to be a significant event for the Ibero-American animation industry, showcasing the talent and creativity of filmmakers from across the region. The awards ceremony will capture place on April 17th in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and will be a key moment for recognizing the achievements of the past year and shaping the future of animation in Ibero-America. Further updates and information about the event can be found on the official Premios Quirino website.
What are your thoughts on the nominees? Share your predictions and excitement for the awards in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow animation enthusiasts!