Goya-winning ‘Decorado’ leads new wave of Basque animation

The Basque animation sector is consolidating its position as one of Spain’s most outward-looking and internationally connected creative hubs, with a reputation for nurturing singular creative talents capable of travelling to major festivals and specialist distributors.

Leading the charge is Decorado, the latest feature from Alberto Vázquez, one of Spain’s most distinctive animation voices. Decorado won the Goya award for best animated film at the 2026 awards on February 28 . The Spain-Portugal co-production was co-produced with Basque backing by Bilbao-based Uniko Estudio Creativo, along with Abano Producións, The Glow Animation Studio and Sardinha Em Lata.

Blending a bold graphic universe with existential undertones, Decorado has also received the special jury prize at the Animation Is Film Festival in Los Angeles and the special jury mention at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas.

A slate of animated features being made with the involvement of Basque companies is now in the works, balancing auteur-driven features, family adventures and stories culturally rooted in the Basque language.

Winnipeg, Seeds Of Hope is set for theatrical release in June. Directed by Elio Quiroga and Beñat Beitia, the feature revisits the historic voyage that carried Spanish exiles to Chile aboard the ship chartered by Pablo Neruda, blending historical memory with intimate emotion. The 2,200 refugees on board referred to themselves as “Neruda’s daughters”. Produced by Dibulitoon Studio, El Otro Film, Malabar and La Ballesta, the film was presented at Ventana Sur as a work in progress.

Among projects in active development, Amalur Profezia stands out for producer Myriam Ballesteros, who has presented the title across key markets. The project featured at Cartoon Movie 2025 and was recently showcased at the European Film Market (EFM) under the umbrella of EGEDA. Rooted in Basque mythology, it blends adventure and fantasy with a strong female-led narrative, positioning itself for European co-production alliances while retaining a clear cultural identity.

Another project with international potential is Ages Of Madness, produced by María Vallejo’s Sumendi Uhartea and 3Doubles Producciones. Presented at the EFM’s Animation Pitching sessions, it is a cosmic horror project inspired by the universe of US writer H.P. Lovecraft, targeting young adult and adult audiences with strong international ambitions. With a darker tonal palette, it reflects the diversification of Basque animation into psychologically and thematically complex terrain.

Family projects remain central. Uniko is advancing Nora, an international co-production pitched at Abycine. The feature debut of Uxue Artetxe, an animator on Oscar-nominated Robot Dreams, it follows a girl lost in a mythological world who must join fantastical beings to defeat Gaueko, Lord of the Night, and — with the help of Mari, Mother Earth — restore nature’s balance and find her way home.

Meanwhile, Dibulitoon is working on Korri, Kuru, Korri. The story centres on Nora, a 12-year-old girl who, disguised as a giraffe, enters Bidasoa Hospital and meets Kuru, a bruised Ethiopian boy. Through the tale of a historical giraffe that crossed the Mediterranean in 1827, the film explores migration, empathy and identity from a child’s perspective. The project underlines Dibulitoon’s commitment to family storytelling with socially resonant undertones, following features such as Winnipeg.

Furthermore, Lotura Films is building a Basque-language slate with Kima & Amik, Ikusezinak (The Invisibles) and Esan Ezan Ozen (Say It Out Loud).

Isabel and Diego Herguera’s Sultana Films is managing one of the region’s busiest and most diverse production slates. After presenting My Dad The Truck at Cartoon Movie 2025, the company is developing features including Water Is The Best, Lorca’s Last Dream and Violeta.

Emerging talent is also gaining traction. Bitxos was pitched at the Basque talent incubator Talentuaren Gunea 2025 in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Since then, the project has travelled widely across markets and is close to entering production. The feature centres on a nonbinary protagonist who, after moving to a new city, must navigate new friendships while coping with social anxiety.

Tax framework

Enhanced tax benefits for both local and international producers are a crucial factor fuelling the growth of animation in the Basque Country. Offering one of the highest tax incentives in Europe, the region is fast becoming a go-to destination for filmmakers.

The Basque Country offers incentives of up to 70% on eligible spend if local expenses exceed 50% of the total budget, and 50% if they fall between 35% and 50%.

In Bizkaia, there is no cap on the maximum deduction, while in Álava and Gipuzkoa, deductions are capped at €10m per production. Productions may also combine these regional incentives with Spain’s national audiovisual tax deductions.

Contact:Ione Feijoo, marketing, communications, international development.