Montevideo became the epicenter of innovation in digital animation with the announcement of the results of the second call for proposals by Ibermedia Next, a program funded by the European Union’s NEXT GENERATION EU funds. Within the framework of Animation! Ventana Sur Río de la Plata, three projects involving Argentina stood out among the 14 selected: Cuentos de amor, de locura y de muerte, Carmen, and Hanta. These productions aim to revolutionize visual storytelling and tackle complex social issues using disruptive technologies such as real-time rendering engines, 3D animation, and artificial intelligence tools.

Cuentos de amor, de locura y de muerte

This short film, developed by La Mola Films (Spain), Sísmica (Mexico), and Ojo Raro (Argentina), explores the final moments of writer Horacio Quiroga’s life. Using innovative techniques such as 2D and 3D animation and stop motion with 3D printing, the work addresses themes like mental health, euthanasia, and respect for nature. Additionally, it will include an immersive virtual reality experience.

Carmen

Produced by the Spanish studio Tinglado Film in collaboration with Argentine director Cecilia Puglesi, this 2D animated short focuses on gender-based violence and femicide. Created using the open-source software Blender and the Argentine game engine Godot, Carmen stands out for its women-led approach and commitment to gender equity.

Hanta

Inspired by the life of Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal, this feature film explores censorship and totalitarianism. Developed by production companies from Spain, Mexico, and Argentina, it combines 2D and 3D animation, stop motion, and mixed painting techniques. Tools like Blender and Natron will bring to life this story of resistance against oppression, resonating with both teenage and adult audiences.

The Teatro Solís in Montevideo hosted the ceremony, attended by institutional representatives such as Raciel del Toro, president of Ibermedia, and Jara Ayucar from Spain’s Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts. The list of selected projects was presented by Brazilian director and consultant Andrés Lieban.

In addition to the Argentine projects, the call included productions from Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, and Colombia, among other countries. Stories such as Nenúfar, Las almas de Escazú, and El viaje de Azul reaffirm Ibermedia’s commitment to addressing themes like environmental issues, cultural diversity, and mental health while promoting cutting-edge technologies in animated cinema.

Complete List of Selected Projects:

• NENÚFAR (Hampa Animation Studio – SPAIN/MEXICO)
• MAR Y EL DELTA (Alba Sotorra SL, Pájaro, and BA Studio SAS – SPAIN/CHILE/COLOMBIA)
• CATWALK (La Chula Films SL and Hilda Studio – SPAIN/BRAZIL)
• CUENTOS DE AMOR, DE LOCURA Y DE MUERTE (La Mola Films SL, Sísmica, and Ojo Raro – SPAIN/MEXICO/ARGENTINA)
• LA VAN (Sardinha em Lata LDA, Apus Animación y Contenido SAC, and Chatrone Latam LTDA – PORTUGAL/PERU/BRAZIL)
• HANTA (Tourmalet Films, Fedora Productions SA de CV, Casadeloua SA de CV, and Osa Estudio – SPAIN/MEXICO/ARGENTINA)
• LAS ALMAS DE ESCAZÚ (Polygonal Factory, Forward Films, Cubho Audiovisual, and Produtora do Leste LTDA – SPAIN/BRAZIL/CHILE)
• VILA MARELA (Fly Moustache, Combo Estudio, and ASAP Producciones – PORTUGAL/BRAZIL/PERU)
• CARMEN (Tinglado Film SL and Marcela Cecilia Puglesi – SPAIN/ARGENTINA)
• EL VIAJE DE AZUL (Mansalva Films SL and Polar Studio SC – SPAIN/MEXICO)
• INSECTARIO: DESPERTAR (Inicia Films SLU and Cuadernos de Cine SA de CV – SPAIN/MEXICO)
• EL DÍA EN QUE EWAN McGREGOR ME PRESENTÓ A SUS PADRES (Mr. Miyagi Films SL, Copa Studio Produtora Audiovisual LTDA, and Sardinha em Lata LDA – SPAIN/BRAZIL/PORTUGAL)
• GUARDIA CIVIL EN NUEVA YORK (Sultana Films SL, Aupa Studio SL, Kraneo Estudio, and Planet 141 – SPAIN/MEXICO/COLOMBIA/ARMENIA)
• VIVIR (USER T38, Hierro Animación SAS, and Chucho – SPAIN/COLOMBIA/URUGUAY)