Lleida’s 19th Animac festival to pay tribute to handmade animation techniques

Lleida (ACN).- The 19^thedition of the International Animation Film Festival of Catalonia, Animac, is to be held in Lleida, western Catalonia, from the 19^thto the 22^nd of February. 172 films (7 feature and 165 short films) are to be showcased at this year’s event. With the growth of handmade products, this year's programme focuses on the theme 'The hand of the artist' to recognise the role of artists in the digital animation process.The Director of the event, Carolina López, remarked that "the art of ‘touching’ remains a pleasure for most artists, while the younger generations are rediscovering it". This year focuses on the drawing techniques of the artist in the digital animation process. 80% of the films presented at Animac this year (including from major international schools) have been created through manual techniques.Conferences, workshops and other special activities will also take place.

During the four days of Animac, many invited guests will participate. These include entertainer Piotr Duma?a, experimental animators Pierre Hébert and Norman McLaren, and the Catalan artists Carlos and Jordi Grangel. In order to honour the 25^th anniversary of their studio, the Grangel brothers, whom have worked for film directors Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton, will give a lecture about the famous characters they have drawn. 

This year, Animac is preparing a very special opening with the screening of the debut film 'Rocks in My Pockets' from Latvian artist Signe Baumane, which has been shortlisted for an Oscar; this is to be its Spanish premiere. Animac will present a total of 7 independent animation films. The event involves a total of 165 works by international directors such as Torilla Kove Rita Basulto, Mirai Mizue, and Olga and Priit Pärn.

The festival’s programme ends with a series of conferences and workshops conducted by professionals in Lleida, such as Victor Monigote ('Mort & Phil') and Iker de los Mozos ('Big Hero 6 '). It is not only the experts who are involved, as Animac also allows the general public to hold meetings, school sessions, gatherings, workshops, night events and further activities during the four days of the festival.