A Year Of International Achievements And New Challenges For Basque Animation
Basque animation is currently enjoying an exceptional moment, solidifying its position as one of the leading creative forces on the international stage. This year, Basque productions have not only triumphed at European festivals and awards but are also making their mark at major global events, such as the Oscars and key film markets. Among the standout achievements are the nomination of Sultana’s Dream for the prestigious European Film Awards, the participation of Winnipeg: Seeds Of Hope in the Work In Progress section of the Ventana Sur market, and the highly anticipated premiere of Decorado in 2025.
International recognition
Directed by Isabel Herguera, Sultana’s Dream has won over both critics and audience since its release. Based on the eponymous short story by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, the film is a daring mix of traditional animation and feminist narrative, taking viewers on a journey into a world of imagination and reflection. Its nomination for the European Film Awards, held earlier this month, was a well-deserved recognition of its artistic and technical excellence.
However, Sultana’s Dream goes even further. It is also among the films qualified for the Oscars, a significant achievement that underscores the growing international recognition of the film. Although there is still time to confirm its final nomination, its inclusion in this prestigious race already brings Basque animation into the global industry’s spotlight.
This isn’t the first time Basque animation has come close to such prestigious platforms. Last year, director Pablo Polledri’s short film Loop qualified for the short film category of the Academy Awards. In 2024, the feature film Unicorn Wars, directed by Alberto Vazquez, also stood out with its successful international run, securing a place among the 33 films competing for a final nomination.
Ventana Sur
While Herguera’s film shines at festivals, another Basque production, Winnipeg: Seeds Of Hope, is generating great expectations in its development phase. Directed by Elio Quiroga and Beñat Beitia, this feature film tells the story of Victor, a widowed father, and his young daughter Julia, who leave Spain when Barcelona falls to the Francoists in 1939.
Concentration camps and hardships await them in France. But there is a possibility of fleeing: embarking on the Winnipeg, a freighter that Neruda and the Quakers in Paris have chartered, to take them safely to an exotic destination: Valparaíso, Chile, where a new life is possible.
The project has been chosen for the Work In Progress section at Ventana Sur, one of the leading film platforms in Latin America. This recognition offers it visibility among international distributors and producers, potentially speeding up its path to screens around the world.
Upcoming premieres
One of the key highlights in Basque animation is the upcoming release of Decorado by Alberto Vazquez, though the exact release date is still to be confirmed. The director returns with a project that, staying true to his provocative style, is expected to explore dark themes with his signature blend of sharp humor.
In the city of Anywhere, Arnold is a middle-aged mouse in an existential relationship crisis. His marriage with Maria is sinking and he feels that everything around him is fake, like scenery! After exploring what lies beyond the forest and losing his friends Ramiro (killed by a giant owl) and Pollo Crazy (arrested for arson), Arnold rebels against society and AKME: a corporation that controls everything.
The announcement of its release in 2025 has already generated significant excitement in the animation industry.
In conclusion, 2024 has been a year of impressive achievements for Basque animation, but it seems that the best is yet to come. With Sultana’s Dream in the race for the Oscars, Winnipeg: Seeds Of Hope gaining momentum in international markets, and Decorado set for release next year, Basque animation is writing an exciting chapter in the history of the audiovisual landscape.
