Quirino’s Futures Lab Seeks to Build, Not Predict Ibero-American Animation’s Next Moves

by

The Futures Lab, a fresh undertaking introduced at the Quirino Awards, assembled prominent figures in Ibero-American animation not to speculate about what may happen but to explore potential outcomes. As Silvina Cornillón expressed, “We’re not here to foretell the future, but to construct it proactively,” reflecting the Lab’s aim to intertwine past, present, and future as the industry undergoes significant transformation.

With financing from the Ortega Marañón Foundation, the event showcased speakers like Henar León, director of innovation and subsidies at PRISA. She discussed the major global trends transforming the audiovisual sectors, including artificial intelligence, sustainability, political instability, market volatility, and evolving consumer habits. Leon emphasized to the crowded room that we are in an era where technology is progressing faster than ever before in human history. She cautioned that the increasing prevalence of AI and new technologies would present both challenges and prospects for the animation industry.

As a movie reviewer looking back over the past eight years since the Quirino Awards debuted, I can’t help but marvel at the strides we’ve made. Initiatives such as the Ibermedia Next program and the White Book of Ibero-American animation have certainly fostered collaboration within our community. However, José Luis Farias, executive producer and coordinator of the Lab, emphasized that there are still many hurdles to overcome.

He pointed out that while we’ve been tackling specific problems with targeted solutions, what we really need now is a broader, all-encompassing perspective – a global vision if you will. Farias emphasized the importance of pooling our collective knowledge because, in essence, we are all working towards the same goal: the continued growth and success of Ibero-American animation.

In three discussion circles, attendees gathered in a circular formation, exchanging ideas as they aimed to design a plan that encompassed three key areas:

1) The Legacy of the Past, which emphasized preserving traditional artisanal techniques, upholding cultural values, and continuing storytelling traditions – all referred to by the Lab as the ‘Weight of the Past’.
2) The Drive of the Present, focusing on leadership training and the development of unique intellectual properties – often termed as the ‘Push of the Present’.
3) The Attraction of the Future, where they imagined building stronger partnerships, fostering cross-industry collaborations, and adopting a sustainable strategy for AI adoption – commonly known as the ‘Pull of the Future’.

In summary, Federico Ullolo, cultural director of the Ortega Marañón Foundation, presented four potential directions that the Lab discussions could take. The first, or “official” direction, acknowledged the achievements within the sector and emphasized that we have much to be proud of. The second, termed the “chaotic” scenario, suggested inaction could lead to stagnation. A third, referred to as the “visionary” path, envisioned a future where Ibero-American animation could maximize its impact on shaping society by influencing values, education, and economic development. Lastly, the “alternative” direction prioritized solidifying partnerships based on the sector’s unique values.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve always recognized the resilience and value-generating nature of the animation sector, particularly in the Ibero-American region. It’s crucial we comprehend its worth and potential in shaping our society. Moving forward from the Quirino Awards, we have planned a series of online and in-person workshops culminating in a presentation to international cultural influencers at the Mondialcult event in Barcelona this September. As Farias so eloquently stated, ‘We’re transitioning from individual endeavors to a collective story, and it’s this narrative that requires our collective effort.’

I aim to unify these concepts within a collective storyline, with the goal of providing policymakers with a more distinct perspective on how they can foster and preserve the cultural worth that a wide-ranging and multifaceted animation industry generates.

Read More

2025-05-10 15:16