Ibero-American Futures Lab Launched at Qurino Awards 

The Futures Lab, an innovative initiative unveiled at the Quirino Awards, brought together key figures from the Ibero-American animation industry to explore not just predictions, but possibilities for the future. Silvina Cornillón, one of the speakers at the event, emphasized that the goal of the Lab was to actively shape the future by drawing inspiration from the past and present as the animation sector faces significant changes.

Henar León, head of innovation and subsidies at PRISA, highlighted the global megatrends that are reshaping the audiovisual industries, including artificial intelligence, sustainability, political instability, market fluctuations, and evolving consumer behaviors. León warned that the rapid advancement of technology, particularly AI and emerging tech, poses both risks and opportunities for the animation world.

José Luis Farias, the executive producer and coordinator of the Lab, reflected on the progress made in the animation industry since the inception of the Quirino Awards eight years ago. While collaborative initiatives like the Ibermedia Next program and the White Book of Ibero-American animation have fostered cooperation, Farias acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive and global approach to address the sector’s challenges.

During the Lab’s breakout sessions, participants discussed the Weight of the Past, emphasizing artisanal skills, cultural heritage, and storytelling traditions; the Push of the Present, focusing on leadership development and original IP creation; and the Pull of the Future, envisioning stronger alliances, cross-sector collaborations, and responsible AI integration.

Federico Ullolo, the cultural director of the Ortega Marañón Foundation, summarized the day’s discussions by outlining four potential scenarios for the future of Ibero-American animation. These scenarios ranged from recognizing the sector’s achievements to envisioning a future where animation plays a pivotal role in shaping society’s values, education, and economic growth.

The Lab’s efforts will extend beyond the Quirino Awards, with upcoming online and in-person workshops leading to a presentation at Barcelona’s Mondialcult event in September. The focus is on transitioning from isolated initiatives to a collective narrative that encompasses the entire animation industry.

By consolidating these ideas into a cohesive narrative, the aim is to provide policymakers with a clearer understanding of how to support and sustain the cultural value that a diverse animation industry offers. The collaboration and collective vision brought forth by the Futures Lab are essential in navigating the evolving landscape of the animation sector.