The Quirino Awards, overseen by Silvina Cornillón, are the most prestigious awards for animation in the Latin American sector. Since their inception, they have been held in Tenerife. This week, the 26 finalist entries for the eighth edition of the ceremony were announced, which will occur on 10th May at the Lojero Leal Theatre, featuring a Canarian film, ‘Black butterflies’, nominated for Best Feature Film.
Silvina, if I’m not misinformed, you are debuting as the director in the eighth edition of the Ibero-American Animation Quirino Awards this year.
That is correct, I am stepping into this position now. I had been assisting with the event previously, but now I am taking on the responsibilities as director. It is the first occasion that the event is led by a Latin American director, which I find truly honourable. The announcement was made in January, and we just concluded the press conference revealing the finalists, marking my first official act in this capacity. I am genuinely delighted.
Until now, the directors of the Quirino Awards have all been from Spain?
Exactly. Initially, it was José Luis Farias, followed by Beatriz Bartolomé, both of whom are Spaniards. Now, it is my opportunity as an Argentine.
We are discussing awards that focus on a very specific context, namely animation created in the Ibero-American realm: Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. It is evident that animation is gaining significant traction within the audiovisual landscape, dispelling the notion that it is solely for a children’s audience.
Not at all. The fact is that animation serves as a medium for storytelling. Recently, we announced that one of our finalist features is a production from the Canary Islands—Black butterflies—which is actually an animated documentary addressing the crucial issue of climate change. For many years, we have been witnessing animated productions aimed at adults and audiences of all ages. This milestone certainly enhances that visibility.
At the recent Oscars, which are evidently more commercialised, an animation film, Flow, was nominated for Best International Film for the first time.
Indeed, and Flow also tackles a very specific theme, possessing independent qualities at the production level; it is undoubtedly positive news.
The Quirino Awards were established in 2018 (they are still quite young) with the aim of promoting Latin American animation, a vast geographical area encompassing numerous people and productions while linking both sides of the Atlantic.
Precisely, that was the aim behind their creation. This will mark their eighth edition. They were initiated to merge the creativity, talent, and industry of our entire region, which, while extensive, shares many commonalities, particularly in talent. Moreover, being in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, adds to the momentum the archipelago has been providing to our sector. This is undoubtedly an ideal combination.
From the outset, was it clear that these awards would be presented in Tenerife?
The Canary Islands have actively promoted the animation industry, acknowledging its significance. In fact, the Cabildo de Tenerife, through Tourism of Tenerife, serves as our primary sponsor. We have been closely following the remarkable progress of local animation companies for years.
So, at the Quirino Awards, you also monitor the productions taking place on the islands?
Of course, they play a crucial role in our event. We host a presentation day for Canarian companies, especially those from Tenerife. It serves as our co-production forum, where most studios from the islands take part every year. This is where we observe co-production agreements being formed and how many companies are establishing themselves in the Canary Islands due to the considerable advantages available. This, in turn, benefits the sector and bolsters productivity across all islands, not just within animation. In fact, in 2024, the island of Tenerife achieved a historic figure of 103 million euros in audiovisual productions, with 19 million of that amount attributed to animation, which is remarkable and a testament to the quality of our outputs.
As you mentioned, the finalists for this edition have just been announced. This year’s participation has been exceedingly impressive, hasn’t it?
Indeed, there were a total of 263 entries from 17 countries. One statistic that excites me is that these submissions compile 54 hours of animation. The works registered truly reflect the entire production year in Latin American nations. The categories are diverse, and a selection committee determines the nominees. Winners will be announced during our gala on 10th May in La Laguna.
Is another nurturing environment being established there to ensure animation continues to thrive in the Canary Islands?
Absolutely. This aligns with our goal of recognising excellence and hard work. That is the objective of our awards gala. Furthermore, the Quirino Awards encompass two significant components that complement each other. The co-production forum is essential in strengthening co-productions and connecting all companies offering services from the islands with their partners. Additionally, we often have a time allocated later for finalists. This is where our efforts achieve their true purpose.
Are there any notable new features in this year’s edition that deserve highlighting?
We are focusing on new updates regarding our co-production forum and the parallel activities that will occur during our event. We have just concluded registration for the forum, and the response has been excellent. We will repeat the activity related to the women’s work table within Latin American animation, inviting all participating women to join. Throughout this activity, we exchange experiences. This year, we’ve decided to introduce initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional development of attending women. This is very engaging as participants range from individuals embarking on their first projects to seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience. We gather to share insights, and the feedback we receive is exceptional. Another innovation is the launch of an idea laboratory, a workspace we will inaugurate alongside the Ortega Marañón Foundation. It will serve as a collaborative environment for various sector actors to engage actively, reflecting on the current state of Ibero-American animation and collectively devising a roadmap addressing today’s challenges, which are plentiful. We aim to find pathways for continued growth and influence the formulation of cultural policies that are beginning to emerge, with the understanding that the Quirino Awards serve as a benchmark.
What challenges are you referring to?
Well, a significant challenge relates to the political and economic contexts of certain countries, particularly regarding their economies. Political decisions greatly impact our sector, especially regarding alternative funding methods like co-productions. Additionally, on a technological front, artificial intelligence introduces a new realm accompanied by numerous questions. This necessitates rethinking content generation methods and supporting companies that have been evolving to ensure their sustainable growth. Training remains an ongoing challenge. In Tenerife, the 3Double studio has established a training initiative: a campus. It is vital to invest in cultivating local professionals in the Canary Islands, where there is an evident shortage of experts.
Indeed, that seems to be the predominant challenge for continuing to foster animation development in the Canary Islands.
I believe that is a challenge tied to the ongoing engagement stemming from the significant investment made in the audiovisual sector in the Canary Islands. It is crucial to establish foundations led by influential animation figures. That is the first essential step for the industry to begin developing, and that groundwork has already been laid in the Canary Islands. Now, we must concentrate on the next phase, allowing local talent to flourish. Often, we find ourselves so focused on immediate outcomes that we fail to reach this stage; fortunately, in this instance, we are progressing well.
Will there be screenings in the days leading up to the Quirino Gala where the public can view the finalist films?
Yes, there will be, and we will soon announce specific dates and times. Some activities will also be available virtually, but there will be screenings taking place in La Laguna.
Is this another method of cultivating vocations?
Absolutely. Conversations with experienced individuals often reveal that there was a pivotal moment related to a particular film they cherished. Animation enables access to narratives that possess a unique depth; it serves as an artistic form of expression.
