So, what is required to make this audio – visual revolution happen in Spain? And why is Spain not currently performing at the level compared to its European counter parts, such London, Budapest and Prague?
The answer to these two fundamental questions is that we must build and operate Film Studios and Comprehensive Creative Technical Services in and around new studio facilities, to be able to not only compete with other European Studios, but to LEAD Europe and the World!
There is an opportunity to make Spain a recognised Film Studio destination and not just a destination known for its amazing locations, which Spain has in abundance, and are most diverse in the world, along with the ‘bankable’ sunshine. Bring eficient facilities such as Stages and Production Services to this mix and the opportunity in Spain becomes more than compelling.
A multinational group of experts has been gathered to conceive and build a cuttingedge film and television studio and expecting not only to attract international, Hollywood, and high-end television projects to the south of Spain but also to drive significant economic growth. Its long-term goal is to establish Spain as a premier destination for top industry professionals.
Practical skills training and support for all audio-visual production departments is also a short-term goal offering international productions attractive incentives and additional discounts to help create localized crew and a supplier eco system within the regions in the longer term.
They also feel that that there is a real gap in the market to be able to offer US and International Studios and Producers, a European alternative to Budapest and Prague. Spain already offers the most diverse landscape locations in Europe. To complement this asset, they aim to make Spain the ‘go to’ studio destination and
WHAT IS THE IS THE OPPORTUNITY IN SPAIN?
grow creative and technical talent and services in and around along with 300 days of glorious sunshine.
The group consider this a critical moment for the Spanish audio-visual sector, and it is essential that this Public Private Partnership opportunity is given full and uninterrupted attention to give visibility of the information
Key Benefits?
The project will provide a real on the ground experience, hands- on training and educational programs in collaboration with international film productions, as well as boost technical and creative innovation services such as virtual production, motion capture visual and sound installations and difital post – production services (Virtual Production, Motion Cpature, Visual and Sound facilities) developing the largest European center in virtual studios that will allow the attraction of major American and Canadian productions who are leading virtual production studios providing performance capture and precision tracking services for:
Film
Games
Commercials
Virtual Reality (VR) • Augmented Reality (AR) and Animation
Real Time Virtual Production
BY DOMINGO EGEA, MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY MANAGER
THE SOUTH OF SPAIN IS READY TO PLAY
Por Fátima Jarmouni
• Premio FECE en 2008 a la mejor labor periodística al servicio de la exhibición
• Biznaga de Honor en
• el Festival de Málaga 2011
• Medalla CEC a la mejor labor periodística en 2013
• Premio ASECAN 2021 en la categoría de Industria
Editadas por Exportadora Cinematográfica Española, SLU Calle Doctor Esquerdo 47, 1D 28028 – MADRID Tel.: +34 91 541 27 14
E-mail:
direccion@cineytele.com www.cineytelePRO.com
El Consejo Editorial de Cine&TelePRO está compuesto por los 12 miembros de la Consultora The Market Eye Team. Consejo Permanente: Antonio Carballo
Juan García
Jordi Carbonell
Juan V. Martín
Redactor Jefe: Fátima Jarmouni
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Esta casa editorial no comparte necesariamente las opiniones expresadas en los artículos firmados.
POR FÁTIMA JARMOUNI
The 75th Berlinale will take place from February 13 to 23, 2025 in Berlin, one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals. This edition will feature over 200 films, with 19 competing for the Golden Bear. Among
the highlighted premieres, Tom Tykwer will open the festival with his family drama ‘La luz’, nearly three decades after ‘Run Lola Run’. Additionally, international directors such as Richard Linklater, Bong Joon-ho, Michel Franco, and James Mangold will showcase their new projects. The artistic direction is led by Tricia Tuttle, and the international jury, chaired by Todd Haynes, will
industry and international appeal. This initiative aims to promote collaboration between Spanish and international professionals by offering opportunities for dialogue with producers, distributors, and investors from around the world.
honor Tilda Swinton’s career with an honorary Golden Bear.
Spain in Focus at the European Film Market
The EFM, scheduled for February 13 to 19 alongside the Berlinale, will pay special attention to Spain, highlighting its dynamic film
Backed by Spain’s Ministry of Culture, this distinction will provide a special platform for the Spanish film industry to showcase and promote its activities. The program will include a series of events designed to emphasize Spain’s diversity as a production hub, its creative excellence, and its pioneering role in technological innovation.
Among the planned activities, the ‘Spanish Producers Spotlight’ will be hosted, where ten outstanding Spanish producers will present
Tilda Swinton.
their companies and the exciting projects they are currently working on. Additionally, roundtables, presentations, and special screenings are planned to address topics relevant to the Spanish film industry, fostering the exchange of ideas and international collaboration.
The landscape of Spanish cinema is poised to leave an indelible mark at the Berlin Festival, establishing itself as an essential reference on the international stage of the seventh art. Although no Spanish film is competing in the prestigious official section for the Golden Bear, the country will be present in various sections of the festival, standing out for the richness of its narrative and thematic proposals.
Within Berlinale Shorts, the short film ‘Close to September’ – also known as ‘Casi septiembre’ – will be screened. Directed by Lucía G. Romero and backed by ESCAC Films, this work tells the story of Alejandra, a young woman living in a campsite whose everyday life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Amara, a city girl. The sensitivity and attention to detail with which this interaction is portrayed offer a fresh and direct glimpse into contemporary concerns.
elements with a renewed and contemporary perspective.
The Generation section – and in particular Generation Kplus, dedicated to young audiences – will feature two projects that highlight a commitment to youth and diversity of perspectives. ‘Juanita’, by Karen Joaquín and Uliane Tatit, explores the challenges faced by a twelve-year-old Latina girl confronting strict ideals of female beauty after moving to Barcelona, capturing the energy and trials of new generations. On the other hand, ‘Only on Earth’, by Robin Petré, is a co-production between Denmark and Spain that demonstrates Spanish cine-
Spanish cinema’s commitment in Berlin also extends to award-worthy narratives. ‘The Message’, by Iván Fund, is part of the Competition section, offering a story that fuses Argentine and Spanish influences. Additionally, ‘The Good Sister’, by Sarah Miro Fischer – a co-production between Germany and Spain – reinforces the international character of the program, underscoring the dynamism and versatility of Spanish productions represented by New Europe Film Sales.
ma’s capacity to collaborate and engage with other cultures on the international stage, presented by Autlook Filmsales.
Meanwhile, in Berlinale Classics, ‘Dressed in Blue’ (‘Vestida de azul’, 1983), a pioneering documentary by Antonio Giménez-Rico, will be showcased. Supported by Video Mercury Films, this film pays homage to the Spanish cinematic tradition by giving voice and visibility to six transgender women during Spain’s transition, reinterpreting classic
In the Forum space, significant cultural events will take center stage. ‘Portals’, a work by Elena Duque, will be exhibited in the Forum Expanded section, inviting audiences on a visual and narrative journey that challenges traditional storytelling conventions. Similarly, ‘Punku’, directed by Juan Daniel Fernández Molero and the result of a collaboration between Peru and Spain, will be screened in the Forum section, demonstrating how international synergies can enrich Hispanic American cinema.
At Berlinale Series Market Selects 2025, taking place from February 16 to 19, industry professionals, creatives, buyers, and distributors will gather at CinemaxX and Gropius Bau for international conferences and presentations. Spain will stand out with a select lineup of projects reflecting the diversity and quality of its television industry. Among these are ‘Asuntos Internos’, an RTVE production that tackles police corruption from within; ‘Honor’, by Atresmedia, which explores ethical dilemmas at a prestigious law firm; and ‘Santuario’, also from Atresmedia, which blends mystery and drama through supernatural events that unsettle a rural community. These series, chosen for their narrative potential and international appeal, aim to capture the interest of co-producers and buyers in this prestigious market, reaffirming the position of Spanish fiction on the global stage.
‘Close to September’.
‘DEAF (SORDA)’ IS THE DEBUT FEATURE FILM BY EVA LIBERTAD, PREMIERING IN THE PANORAMA SECTION OF BERLINALE 2025
It is the first Spanish feature film starring a deaf actress, Miriam Garlo, with Álvaro Cervantes, Elena Irureta, and Joaquín Notario rounding out the principal cast.
The film explores the challenges that arise within a couple when facing motherhood and fatherhood, highlighting the meeting of the deaf and hearing worlds. Additionally, ‘Sorda’ is based on the short film of the same name, which was nominated for the Goya Awards in 2023 and directed by Eva Libertad and Nuria Muñoz. The short, also starring Miriam Garlo—Eva Libertad’s real-life sister—was selected in over 110 national and international festivals and received more than 60 awards.
SYNOPSIS
Ángela, a deaf woman, is pregnant with the child of her hearing partner, Héctor. As the pregnancy progresses, fears about motherhood and how to communicate with her daughter begin to surface. The arrival of the baby girl transforms the couple’s dynamic, leading Ángela to confront the challenges of raising her child in a world that, in many respects, is not designed for her.
Deaf (Sorda) is produced by Miriam Porté for Distinto Films, in coproduction with Nuria Muñoz Ortín for Nexus CreaFilms and Adolfo Blanco for A Contracorriente Films. The film features the participation of RTVE, Movistar Plus+, and La7, and is funded by the ICAA with support from ICEC, the Region of Murcia, and the Municipality of Molina de Segura. In Spain, distribution is handled by A Contracorriente Films, while international sales are managed by Latido Films.
Later, the film will bring its vision to another major national festival, as it competes for the Golden Biznaga at the Málaga Festival. After its festival run, ‘Deaf (Sorda)’ is set to hit Spanish theaters on April 4, 2025.
UNA CIUDAD PARA CONTAR GRANDES HISTORIAS
Principal centro de producción en España
30% incentivos fiscales y ayudas públicas
Increíbles localizaciones con versatilidad para recrear otras ciudades
Proveedores y empresas de servicios
Asistencia desde la preproducción y apoyo institucional
THE SOUTH OF SPAIN
IS READY TO PLAY!
READY TO PLAY!
The south of Spain is preparing to receive a Technological hub to advances in virtual production technology, Artificial Intelligence, and the rise of OTT and “Metaverse” content distribution have a disrupted the industry leading to significant strikes by writers, actors and other guild members in North America and the UK creating a VERTICAL INTEGRATED, NEXT – GENERATION, MEDIA PRODUCTION.
Spain has created an ideal environment to capitalize on this situation, offering substantial government incentives for building and operating next generation virtual production studios and Murcia (Located near Ciudad de la Luz in Alicante, benefits from Spain´s legacy as a favored production destination for director´s like Ridley Scott, along with the support of a strong real estate partner based in Murcia, making in the perfect location bringing the best Motion Capture /Performance Capture, Volumetric Capture, Interactive and LED Volumes companies to the south of Spain.
BUILDING A REAL TECHNOLOGICAL ECOSYSTEM
Starting a company/freelance is also very difficult. You need to go through a lot of bureaucracy, find all the team members, get a space, equipment, software, servers and take care of all the reporting etc.
Media & entertainment industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors and a Nordic company (Sumo App
(Inmersive Project) is preparing an unique technology project for building a startup ecosystem in Spain. It consists of 3 elements:
• Immersive Studios - Physical space (studios) in Murcia, Spain where startups will work together for futuristic, immersive, audio-visual products and services. It provides a full ecosystem for making next generation
solutions, having space and equipment for spatial audio, omnidirectional cameras, capture facilities for 3D scanning, green screens, lights, studios, audio rooms, auditoriums, dressing rooms, meeting rooms and office space.
• Immersive PlatformTools and services to build audiovisual projects with the
REAL AUDIOVISUAL ECOSYSTEM IN THE SOUTH
combination of tools, services and content that helps companies to build products better and faster. It is based on multiple platforms built for education, entertainment, art, sports and AI (Taipui).
The platform will be tailored for the Immersive Spain ecosystem to support partner companies and new members / freelancers to get full speed with their products
after joining the program and start making revenue.
• Immersive Fund - Startup fund for pre-seed and seed rounds providing investments to early stage startups (pre-seed and seed -stage). The Fund is exclusively for Immersive Spain startups that have participated in the programs or joined the ecosystem as
founding partners. Founding partners are companies that will join the project from the start and give something back to the ecosystem for all to use. Funded companies will get help locally, opening bank accounts, getting work permits and visas, setting up the book keeping and get legal support.
Lauri Koutaniemi is a Finnish entrepreneur who, by combining strengths in innovation and technology. Koutaniemi has 25 years of experience as a tech entrepreneur, specializing in audiovisual tools and creative platforms. His company, Sumo, has over 15 million active monthly users and collaborates with giants like Google, Microsoft, and Samsung. Together, they form a team that combines vision and innovation, standing out as complementary partners.
Immersive is dedicated to innovating and developing new technological solutions for sectors ranging from sports broadcasts to film and television productions. In their drive to revolutionize the industry promoting a space designed to bring together the most promising talents, emerging startups, and established companies from around the world under one roof. Located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, this hub seeks to position the country as a global leader in audiovisual production. From Alicante and Murcia, they aim to attract both established companies and emerging startups, as well as individual talents, creating a strong network that facilitates the development of projects from conception to commercialization.
We, at Cine&Tele PRO, have had the pleasure of meeting them to get to know them a little better and to delve deeper into this transformative project
Cine&Tele PRO: To begin, it would be good to get to know both of you and your background because you have a really strong background in marketing. Tell us a little bit more about it.
Lauri Koutaniemi: Very nice to meet you. My name is Lauri Koutaniemi. I’m also from Finland, from the northern part, from Lapland (with the reindeers and everything). I’ve been an entrepreneur for 25 years, and I’m more of a technical person. I love to build things. I started my career by building games, but I eventually focused more on audiovisual creative tools and media platforms.
LAURI KOUTANIEMI, THE RISING CEO IMMERSIVE INC.
Cine&Tele PRO: That’s great. Before we start talking about the Future Media Hub, we are also very interested to hear more about your company, Lauri—Sumo.
Lauri Koutaniemi: Of course. I’ve developed these creative and audiovisual tools that can be used for movie-making. It’s for audio editing, 3D coding, all that. We have 15 million monthly active users. Right now, we are working with Google, Microsoft, and Samsung. And we are currently a US-based company, but most of the people are here in Europe and Spain.
Lauri Koutaniemi: I have an mazing team. They do the work, but I organize.
Cine&Tele PRO: So, talking more about your current project, Immersive, you plan to combine all the Mediterranean projects and movie studios with the greatest technology, supporting the whole ecosystem around the world.
Lauri: Exactly, plus, we are connecting existing companies and individuals from Asia to the Middle East, from North and South America, etc. And then Spain, the coast, will become the center of the audiovisual hub.
It’s clear to us: you have amazing existing projects here, funded by the government and with a lot of good people working on them. The problem, as I see it, is that it’s fragmented—all over different sectors. Something for sports, something for
Cine&Tele PRO: Here in Spain, we have the Spain Film Commission project, which is the only project that brings all of Spain together. Just three years ago, the Spanish government created a fund of 1.6 billion dollars for the audiovisual industry in our country. Out of that money, only 5 million has gone to coordinate the Spain Film Commission. And in the past three years, thanks to the Spain Film Commission, Spain has signed collaboration agreements with Canada, India, Australia, and other emerging countries.
Lauri That’s why we believe that the Future Media Hub, which we are establishing, is very important for us to set up as an NGO. We are not going to make any profits there, that’s the thing. We want to create the foundation that really generates all the media solutions for the future by combining these cross-industry solution providers and projects there.
And now, because we have focused on Immersive and creating new media solutions,we have identified that these same solutions apply to all TV productions, movies, and so on.
If we could unite these two, boom! It’s like planting the seed, and in two or three years, you could start harvesting the fruits from there. And that’s exactly what we want.
Cine&Tele PRO: And we understand that what you’re trying to create is the European California on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
Lauri: That is exactly it. Also, regarding the landscapes in Spain—in Murcia, you can shoot western movies there. It looks identical. If you are there, you can picture yourself being in Mexico or somewhere else. There is so much diversity in nature, and also a lot of sun. The weather is perfect. It is a perfect environment for a lot of outdoor productions.
Talking a little bit more about the project, we now have some very interesting technologies and innovations that we have patented. We are bringing these technologies to the Future Media Hub, and we are going to start developing something that will change the whole media economy, let’s say. The idea at first was to get our own innovation and technology team, but then we identified all these opportunities here and there, and we figured out that there is a big opportunity to connect all these providers, but obviously, we can’t do it ourselves.
We also want to bring other companies to Spain. We are looking for (and already have) global partners to bring them to Alicante and Murcia. So, this is a very important aspect: bringing talent to Spain.
What we want to do is provide a landscape never seen before, from concept to market. So, if you have your idea and you are from Argentina, we want to invite you, set up a company in Spain, offer the entire ecosystem to support you, and through this collaboration, we can introduce these ideas and, for example, have collaborations with Big Majors. And this can happen anywhere, even in the United States. So, this concept is super innovative.
Cine&Tele PRO: It’s really smart to create this network of connections to support one another.
challenges for children to learn these skills. We are also working with high schools and universities to create content for elementary and secondary schools, as well as building more advanced challenges for the youth. For example, learning these audiovisual skills is also part of the Future Media Hub.
plore the challenges. In the long term, in 5 or 10 years, we will have professionals coming from schools.
Lauri Koutaniemi: Yes, and that’s why the NGO... We are not looking at profit; we are looking at impact. The educational part is very important to us. We believe in supporting the youth, from children to young people, and helping them to start an easy process to get there and start innovating.
Leoblocks(For example) is a company from Murcia, and we are developing a gamified learning environment for children to learn creative skills and also audiovisual skills. We currently have 10 different creative apps, and we have these gamified, fun-to-use challenges for children to learn these skills. We are also working with high schools and universities to create content for elementary and secondary schools, as well as building more advanced challenges for the youth. For example, learning these audiovisual skills is also part of the Future Media Hub. We can find talent from schools and hire them to be part of the whole ecosystem, and also help them to become entrepreneurs or freelancers.
We can find talent from schools and hire them to be part of the whole ecosystem, and also help them to become entrepreneurs or freelancers.
We also want to build an accelerator program, and we want to fund the development of these kinds of open-source and common components that we can use for developing new projects. It is very important to start with young people in schools and give them these tools for free so that children can learn and ex-
It has to be a non-profit NGO organization because it has to be something that does this—co-creates. There can’t be a business angle. We want to create a Spanish open ecosystem for collaboration and industry innovation. There are a lot of incredible projects here in Spain, and all these innovations arise here and there, but there’s no link connecting them. So, if we can establish this NGO here, we can start connecting these projects and companies and bring in other big tech companies like Google, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Telefónica, and so on, to support and collaborate.
This creates the foundation for the Future Media Hub. Because here in Spain, by identifying all this and bringing the best talent from around the world, the innovations of Future Media will flourish, and even though it will start in one country, it will be exported globally.
MURCIA FILM STUDIOS
THE NEXT BIG THING IN SPAIN
A multinational group of experts has been gathered to conceive and build a cutting-edge film and television studio in the south of Spain. This ambitious project will see the construction of six modern sound stages alongside a full range of support facilities, including an on-site hotel designed to accommodate crew members during productions.
The venture is expected not only to attract international, Hollywood, and high-end television projects to the region but also to drive significant economic growth.
Murcia Film Studios plans to collaborate with global productions to deliver hands on training programs for the abundant local talent in Murcia and its neighboring areas, there by nurturing a sustainablebase of local crews.
To foster rapid development, Spain is offering attractive incentives and grant opportunities to support this initiative.
The studio’s master plan, crafted by a renowned international architectural firm, outlines the development of a 100,000-square-meter complex. This facility will feature sound stages built to North American production standards, integrating the highest levels of ecoefficiency and environmental care. Murcia Film Studios is projected to generate 750 direct jobs across sectors such as digital production, film, and gaming, thereby boosting the local economy.
The Goya Awards represent the highest recognition in the Spanish film industry, annually highlighting the most outstanding productions and the talent of actors, directors, and other film professionals. The most recent edition, the 39th, was held on February 8, 2025, at the Palacio de Congresos in Granada, organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of Spain. This edition made history by awarding the Best Film prize jointly for the first time.
From the moment the nominations were announced, two films stood out as the main contenders for the top award: ‘El 47’, directed by Marcel Barrena, and ‘La infiltrada’, by Arantxa Echevarría. ‘El 47’ led the pack with
Goya 2025’s Historic Dual Triumph
14 nominations, closely followed by La infiltrada with 13. Both productions generated great anticipation, not only for the strength of their cinematic proposals but also for the originality of their themes and the high quality of their execution.
As a result, this edition of the Goya Awards became a historic milestone. For the first time in the history of the Goya Awards, the prize for Best Film was awarded jointly. ‘El 47’ and ‘La infiltrada’ were honoured ex aequo, an unprecedented event that both surprised and moved the audience.
This is the first time in
the
history of the Goya Awards that an award has been given ex aequo
Beyond the shared recognition, El 47 claimed a total of five awards, including Best Director for Marcel Barrena and Best Supporting Actor for Salva Reina. Meanwhile, La infiltrada secured two awards, with Carolina Yuste standing out as Best Leading Actress.
In addition to the previously mentioned awards, the 39th Goya Awards also recognised other prominent figures in Spanish cinema. Eduard Fernández received the Best Leading Actor award for his role in ‘Marco’. Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez were honoured with the Best Director award for ‘Saturn Return’. Salva Reina and Clara Segura won Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, for their performances in ‘El 47’.
The Best Original Screenplay award went to Eduard Sola for ‘Casa en flames’, while Pedro Almodóvar received the Best Adapted Screenplay award for La habitación de al lado. In the music category, C. Tangana, Yerai Cortés, and La Tania were awarded Best Original Song for “Los Almendros”, featured in La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés. These accolades highlight the diversity and talent present in contemporary Spanish cinema.
The 39th Goya Awards ceremony opened with a dynamic performance by Miguel Ríos, who delivered a special rendition of his classic “Bienvenidos”, accompanied by Amaral and several nominated actors. Concluding the performance, Ríos emphatically declared, “Free Palestine!”, surprising and moving the audience.
One of the most poignant moments of the 39th Goya Awards was the tribute to actress Marisa Paredes, who passed away in December 2024. Her daughter, María Isasi, took to the stage to honour her mother’s legacy, highlighting her dedication and passion for cinema
The homage included a heartfelt performance of Rosana’s “Si tú no estás” by Dora Postigo and Zahara, accompanied by Martí Perarnau and Marta Movidas. As they performed, images of Paredes and other Spanish cinema figures who had passed away in 2024 were displayed, offering a moving tribute to their contributions to the film industry.
The ceremony commemorated the 20th anniversary of “The Sea Inside,” the most awarded film in Goya history, with 14 accolades. Director Alejandro Amenábar and members of the cast took to the stage to reflect on the film’s impact and significance in Spanish cinema.
Amenábar emphasized that “the greatest reward was initiating a conversation about the right to die with dignity.” Javier Bardem added a quote from Ramón Sampedro: “A life that denies freedom is not life.”
Upon receiving the International Goya Award, Richard Gere expressed his gratitude in Spanish, exclaiming, “¡Es fantástico!” He acknowledged Spain as his new home and humorously credited part of his award to his Galician wife, Alejandra Silva, for enduring him over the years. In his speech, Gere criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump and warned of the global rise of authoritarianism.
He urged society to be courageous, speak the truth, and combat tribalism and autocracy worldwide. Gere concluded by emphasizing the importance of caring for and listening to one another to face these challenges.
As she accepted the Honorary Goya Award, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón gave an emotional speech, remembering her mother, Fiorella, her children, Teo and Bruna, and the late director Bigas Luna.
Paraphrasing Marisa Paredes, she emphasized that “we must not fear culture; we should fear ignorance, indifference, lies, fanaticism, and violence.“
She added that we should also “fear new imperialisms and ethnic cleansings.” SánchezGijón expressed gratitude for the love she had received and conveyed her desire to remain connected to cinema, stating that she still feels like “that girl who spoke her first lines backstage with everything yet to be done, with the same tremor, the same vertigo, the same desire to unravel the mystery.”
María Luisa Gutiérrez, producer of La infiltrada, dedicated the Best Film award to her partner Santiago Segura and to independent producers who create films without financial
gain, highlighting that culture does not always have to be profitable. She also stressed the need for a film industry that embraces both commercial and independent cinema, stating that “a healthy industry needs both types of cinema. One cannot exist without the other.”
In her speech, she also underscored that democracy is founded on freedom of expression, emphasising the importance of respecting and defending each individual’s right to voice their thoughts, even when differences of opinion arise.
In addition to the opening performance, the ceremony fea-
tured presentations by renowned artists such as Alejandro Sanz, Rigoberta Bandini, and Lola Índigo, who brought musical diversity and energy to the event, enhancing the experience for both the live audience and viewers at home.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came with Dellafuente’s performance, paying tribute to the iconic poet Federico García Lorca. Held in Granada, a city deeply connected to Lorca’s legacy, the tribute honoured his cultural impact and lasting influence on Spanish literature and the arts.
The 39th edition of the Goya Awards was not only remembered for its most iconic moments but also for its impact and influence on the Spanish film industry. The ceremony recorded a 24.4% audience special gathered 1,077,000 viewers, reaching an 11.2% audience share—the highest since 2022.
On average, 2,340,000 viewers tuned in to watch the ceremony on La 1 de TVE on Saturday, marking an increase of 0.9 percentage points compared to the previous edition. The event, which took place at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos in Granada, was the most-watched programme of the day.
The 2025 Goya Awards once again highlighted the richness and diversity of Spanish cinema, celebrating both emerging talent and industry veterans. From unexpected wins to historic moments, this edition showcased the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of film.
With moving speeches, well-deserved recognitions, and an atmosphere filled with passion for the seventh art, the night proved why the Goya Awards remain one of the most prestigious celebrations in European cinema. As the curtains close on this year’s ceremony,
the Spanish film industry looks ahead, ready to continue inspiring audiences worldwide.
The Málaga Festival has announced the launch of MERCADOC.0, a new industry initiative dedicated to fostering innovation in Ibero-American documentary filmmaking. Set to take place from March 18 to 21 within the framework of the 28th Málaga Festival’s industry section, MAFIZ, this pioneering space is designed to provide artistic, financial, and business development opportunities to documentary projects in various stages of production. Organized in collaboration with Culturia and financed by Spain’s Ministry of Culture and the European Union’s Next GenerationEU, MERCADOC.0 aims to strengthen co-production possibilities, distribution networks, and new business models on an international scale.
Málaga is set to become a strategic hub for documentary film professionals as the event brings together key industry players, including media outlets, digital platforms, and television networks, offering a unique opportunity for filmmakers to expand their projects beyond national borders. Through a structured program of training sessions, master classes, and mentorships, participating directors and production companies will receive tailored support in the creative, financial, and market-driven aspects of their projects, ensuring they meet the demands of the global industry.
The call for submissions remains open until February 14, inviting documentary projects from Spain, Portugal, and Latin America to apply. Eligible categories include auteur documentaries, social media-based documentaries, docu-reality formats, and investigative documentaries. Participating entities must be legally registered production companies, and the
MERCADOC.0: A NEW PLATFORM FOR INNOVATION IN IBERO-AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING
application process is free of charge. To be considered, applicants must complete an online form on the MAFIZ website, submitting essential development materials such as treatments, dossiers, financial plans, and budgets.
Selected projects will gain access to a range of resources aimed at refining their production models and increasing their visibility on the international stage. One of the key highlights of MERCADOC.0 is the opportunity for participating filmmakers to engage directly with emerging players in the documentary landscape, such as journalistic media, streaming services, and television broadcasters, creating potential for new funding and distribution channels.
Beyond mentorship and networking, selected projects will also be featured in an international promotional catalog created by MAFIZ. This initiative is designed to enhance their marketability by introducing them to po-
tential financiers and audiences interested in Ibero-American documentary content. Additionally, financial support will be provided to facilitate participation in the event, further ensuring that creative teams can fully capitalize on the experience.
As the documentary landscape continues to evolve, MERCADOC.0 offers an unprecedented opportunity for filmmakers to navigate the complexities of the industry, build meaningful collaborations, and secure a place in the global documentary ecosystem. With Málaga establishing itself as a key meeting point for documentary professionals, this new platform is set to become an essential space for creators seeking to push boundaries and bring compelling stories to the world.
NNEXT LAB GENERATION
2025: INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY MEET IN MADRID
ext Lab Generation will gather innovative minds at the Fundación Ortega-Marañón to select the boldest proposals that will represent Spain at Annecy MIFA 2025. With conferences on revolutionary tools such as Clay Pencil and OctaneRender, and project pitches created in just eight weeks, this event not only anticipates the future—it builds it.
Madrid is gearing up to buzz with the energy of the fifth edition of Next Lab Generation 2025. On February 27 and 28, the Fundación Ortega-Marañón will open its doors to a universe where animation, video games, and disruptive technologies converge. This event promises not only cutting-edge debates but also the selection of projects that will shine on the global stage at Annecy MIFA 2025.
Behind the selection of the winning projects are three names that embody industry excellence:
• Tigran Arakelyan, arriving from Armenia, brings with him the magic of OnOff Studios and his mastery of Quill—the tool he used to bring works like Zako to life, an entirely virtual reality journey. His vision, honed at festivals such as ReAnimania, will seek out projects that push the limits of what is possible.
• María Luquero, a creative mind who has left her mark on series like Pocoyó and Tadeo Jones, returns to Next Lab as a witness to her own evolution. Her series Titán Tofu, born in the event’s first edition, now travels international festivals, and she is eager to empower new voices that, like her, dream of transcending borders.
• From London, James Castillo brings the brilliance of an Emmy—won for Madrid Noir, an interactive VR experience—and the experien-
ce of having shaped characters in productions such as Mitchells vs the Machines. His passion for virtual reality makes him a beacon for those looking to merge storytelling with technology.
The event will not only serve as a showcase for talent but also as a laboratory of ideas. Within its halls, discussions on tools that are redefining creation will resonate:
• Lino Grandi (OTOY) will unravel the secrets of OctaneRender, demonstrating how anime can be reinvented with hyper-realistic rendering.
• Daniel M. Lara will reveal the potential of Clay Pencil, a magical bridge that instantly transforms 2D strokes into 3D worlds within Blender.
• Sofía López (Freepik) will guide the audience through the impact of AI in design, where algorithms and human creativity unite to create the unimaginable.
Meanwhile, six finalist teams—selected from fourteen—will compete with projects created in just eight weeks. Their pitches, enriched with virtual reality, will aim to win over the jury and secure a pass to Annecy, where the whole world will see them.
Backed by the Community of Madrid and industry giants like the Annecy Festival, the event is not just a gathering—it is a barometer for the future. It will explore how accessible tools are democratizing creation, enabling independent studios to compete with high-caliber productions.
For attendees, it will be an immersion in the latest trends; for the curious, a window into what’s coming next. The full schedule and registration details will soon be available at nxlb.org, where teasers of the projects and exclusive material also await.
