Basque animation is once again making its mark on the international stage. 'Decorado', the feature film directed by Alberto Vázquez, has been honoured with the Paul Grimault Award, one of the jury's highest distinctions, at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

This prestigious award is the culmination of an outstanding festival run for the film, produced by Uniko, Abano Producións, The Glow Animation Studio, Sardinha Em Lata and María y Arnold A.I.E. Receiving this distinction at Annecy, the world's leading animation festival, is a major milestone for Basque animation and reflects its unprecedented strength and growing international recognition in recent years.

A journey recognised by critics and honoured with major awards

Over the past few months, 'Decorado' has screened at some of the world's leading animation events and has received significant acclaim for its artistic and narrative vision, establishing Alberto Vázquez as one of the leading voices in contemporary animation.

Among its many accolades are the Goya Award for Best Animated Feature, the Quirino Award for Best Animated Feature Film, as well as Best Animated Feature honours at the Forqué Awards and the Medals of the Circle of Cinematographic Writers.

The Paul Grimault Award provides further momentum for a feature film that continues to expand its international reach while reinforcing the prestige of Basque productions on the international festival circuit.

Three Basque productions at Annecy

Basque representation at Annecy was further strengthened by 'Winnipeg, Seeds of Hope', directed by Elio Quiroga and Beñat Beitia, which also featured in the festival's official programme as part of the Contrechamp competition. Produced by Dibulitoon Studio, El Otro Film, Malabar, La Ballesta and Dibulitoon Factory A.I.E., the film is another example of the talent and collaborative spirit of the Basque audiovisual industry.

Also competing at the festival was 'Hunger', the short film directed by Imanol Ortiz López and produced by Orlok Films, which was selected for the Midnight Shorts competition.

The presence of these three productions at Annecy once again highlights the strength of Basque animation at the world's foremost international showcase for the industry.