Catalonia’s ANIMAC 2025 to Explore Human-Animal Relations in Animation
The 29th International Animated Film Festival of Catalonia, ANIMAC, will take place in Lleida, Spain, from February 20 to 23, 2025. This 29th edition, organized by the Lleida City Council, will focus on the theme "We, Animals," exploring the multifaceted relationships between humans and animals through animation. The festival seeks to illuminate how animation helps audiences understand and reflect on these connections in increasingly conscious and respectful ways.
Festival director Carolina López noted the enduring power of animation to explore this relationship. “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 biodiversity and respect for the planet we share,” López said.
This year’s programming will celebrate a variety of animated works, aiming to provoke reflection on how animals' stories mirror human values and responsibilities. Independent creators who push boundaries in representing animals will also be a highlight.
A Vision of Coexistence
ANIMAC 2025’s official poster, created by illustrator and animator Rocío Álvarez, visually embodies the festival’s theme. Álvarez described the poster as a “set of miniature fables” presenting imaginative scenarios where humans and animals coexist.
The central figure—a woman symbolizing humanity—blends her nurturing side with technological elements, reflecting the balance between nature and innovation. Surrounding her, satirical imagery depicts animals adapting to human-altered environments, such as a spider spinning wool for human use or ants carrying technological fragments. “It’s a reflection on the role of humans as animals and animals as beings adapted to our artificial world,” Álvarez explained.
Graphically, the poster employs a retro-futuristic style using painting, collage, and artificial intelligence to evoke three-dimensional textures. This experimental approach encapsulates the theme "We, Animals," merging tradition with technological advancement.
Expanding Participation
This year, ANIMAC has received 721 submissions from 71 countries—a record-breaking number and a substantial increase from the 562 submissions in 2024. France leads with 171 submissions, followed by Spain (70), the United Kingdom (39), the United States (34), Germany (31), and Canada (34).
Short films from animation schools constitute nearly 40% of the submissions, with 283 entries highlighting ANIMAC’s role in discovering new talent. The growing participation underscores the festival's significance as a platform for creative expression in animation, despite ongoing shifts in the animation industry.
Opportunities for Professionals
ANIMAC’s Pro section continues to be a vital part of the festival. It includes:
- Incubator: A space for developing projects to receive feedback from industry experts.
- Animacrea: Workshops and activities hosted by animation schools and universities.
- Animac Campus: A dedicated section for film and animation students.
Registrations for the Pro section remain open until December 13, 2024. The section provides opportunities for networking, skill development, and showcasing emerging talent, reinforcing ANIMAC’s commitment to fostering the animation industry’s future.
As ANIMAC 2025 approaches, its exploration of the theme "We, Animals" promises a thought-provoking celebration of animation’s capacity to address critical environmental and ethical issues.