Spanish Cinema Takes Center Stage at AFM 2024: Animation, Fantastic Cinema & Remakes
The American Film Market (AFM) in Las Vegas, held from November 5-10, 2024, hosts an unprecedented celebration of Spanish cinema as the Spanish Screenings on Tour makes its third appearance. This showcase brings the largest Spanish delegation to date, with over 20 companies highlighting the country’s dynamic audiovisual talents across four major categories: Animation, Fantastic Cinema, Remakes, and Producers. The initiative is a collaborative effort by Spain’s Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA), ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, and prestigious film festivals in Malaga and San Sebastian.
Spanish Animation: Bold Stories, Global Appeal
Spanish animation, gaining global recognition, takes center stage with its innovative storytelling and artistry. This year’s Animation showcase features four captivating projects targeting international markets:
- Dinogames (Spain-Belgium): Directed by Lorena Ares and Carlos F. De Vigo, this thrilling tale follows friends trapped in a video game.
- Like! (Spain-Peru): By Nacho La Casa, this film addresses cyberbullying through a young football fan’s journey.
- The Violinist (Spain-Singapore): Co-directed by Ervin Han and Raul Garcia, this drama set during WWII explores dreams lost to war.
- Age of Madness: Helio Mira directs this adult animation series inspired by H.P. Lovecraft.
The success of recent Spanish animation, such as Pablo Berger’s Oscar-nominated Robot Dreams, underscores Spain’s potential as a hub for high-quality animated content.
Fantastic Cinema: Spain’s Genre Powerhouse
Spain’s Fantastic Cinema is renowned worldwide, and this year’s showcase doesn’t disappoint. The Fantastic Cinema section presents five chilling projects with a mix of horror, fantasy, and science fiction:
- 17Khz: Directed by Alberto Ruiz Rojo and Marja Pyykkö, this series follows teens battling a climate-change conspiracy.
- In The Flesh: Ainhoa Menéndez Goyoaga’s debut film is a psychological thriller exploring themes of love and abandonment.
- Monstro: Directed by Andrés Goteira, this arthouse fantasy places a man in a remote house confronting a lurking monster.
- Nightfall: A horror-drama about Federico Garcia Lorca, directed by Fernando Franco, set during Spain’s Civil War.
- The Lady Who Plays: A horror set in 1974 by Jose Enrique March, focusing on a disturbing supernatural event.
These projects, some already in advanced stages, emphasize Spain’s versatility and strong foothold in the horror and sci-fi genres.
Spanish Remakes: A Growing Market for Global Adaptations
A robust catalog of titles is primed for adaptation, Spanish remakes are thriving in international markets. The Remakes showcase offers 12 films ideal for reinvention, spanning genres from drama to dark comedy. Titles such as La Casa by Alex Montoya, All The Names of God by David Calparsoro, and My Masterpiece by Andres Duprat reflect Spain’s unique cinematic voice, ready for worldwide audiences.
Producers in Focus: Expanding Spanish Cinema Internationally
This year’s Producers showcase spotlights eight dynamic companies eager to collaborate and expand internationally. La Charito Films, Zabriskie Films, and Mediacrest Entertainment, among others, are introducing upcoming features and seeking cross-border partnerships. Spain’s advantageous tax incentives and stunning locales make it an ideal destination, and these producers aim to attract U.S. co-productions and increase international shoots.
Annabelle Aramburu of the Malaga Film Festival (MAFIZ) emphasizes AFM’s importance for Spain: “This event opens new doors, allowing Spanish companies to meet influential buyers and decision-makers in the U.S. market.” The Spanish Screenings on Tour serves as a bridge, enhancing Spain’s reputation as a hub for international film production and fostering connections with the U.S. film industry.
Spain’s Cinematic Surge at AFM 2024
As AFM 2024 unfolds, Spanish cinema showcases a dynamic blend of creativity, diversity, and global appeal. The country’s talents in Animation, Fantastic Cinema, and a thriving remake market underscore its potential as a key player in the international film industry. Through this robust delegation and industry support, Spain is securing its place as a cinematic force, offering a world of stories that resonate far beyond its borders Just Now News.Press.
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