A total of nine projects with European participation form the backbone of the International Animation, Video Games and New Media Market, which will take place from 2 to 4 October as part of the 17th Weird Market (30 September to 5 October in Valencia). The selection of projects features multiple co-productions that highlight the strong international network that makes up the animation sector. The film competition features works from 22 countries, chosen from among 1,734 entries submitted from a total of 104 territories. “The industrial fabric of animation has been flexing its muscles for years. It is a network of professionals who know how to adapt to the moment and have a great talent for developing original ideas,” says José Luis Farias, director of the event.

As part of this edition, there will be nine project presentations from the 173 included in the official catalogue. Condenaditos is the first feature film by Matisse González, a Bolivian animator, illustrator and director based in Germany, who was nominated for an Annie Award in 2020 for her short film Gravedad. The short film section will feature Topo y la luz, Die Captcha Krise and O Lobo que Não Tinha Onde Cair Morto. The first is the work of Spanish illustrator María Ramos, a project that will combine a short film with a series and her own toys. The second is by 3D/VR artist Eric Giessmann, who plans to expand its format to include a video game with a virtual reality experience. The third comes from Portuguese artist Ricardo Adrêgo.

As for the web series featured in the presentations, co-production is the common theme: Koffe Kat, by Arisa Veeravitayases and Thawatchai Chunhachai, brings together Spain and Thailand; The Means of Destruction, by Nabil Samandari, Nicolás Petelski and Martijn Kreemers, is a collaboration between Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark and the United States; while Hurricanimals, by Paulo Muppet and Luciana Eguti, is a Brazilian-Spanish production. Finally, two Spanish video games will also be presented in more detail: Unboxing Mr Coo by Nacho Rodríguez, and Jordi & Oslo: La Cua Perduda by Joveguille.

The market will also include a range of presentations, case studies and debates, and will once again serve as a hub for discovering new talent. Leading international companies will gather to conduct 500 job interviews. Candidates will have the opportunity to join the teams at studios such as Hampa Studio, TV ON Producciones, Uniko, Admirable Films, ATLANTIS Animation Boutique, Aupa Studio, Skydance Animation, Studio Kimchi and Sultana Films. “Weird Market has always had it in its DNA to be a catalyst for talent. With each edition we aim to make this recruitment process as personalised as possible. We want the experience to be productive, effective and agile for both companies and professionals," explains José Luis Farias.

Wfest, the short film competition that forms part of Weird Market, showcases some of the best animated works each year in its two competitions. A total of eight productions will be screened in the national competition, while the international competition will feature 24 works. “The selection demonstrates animation's ability to transcend the barriers of pre-established genres and clichés. There are more traditional proposals, others that are experimental, fictional or documentary, as well as works that reflect the current geopolitical landscape, such as the war in Ukraine," says Farias. 

The projects to be presented:

Condenaditos - Matisse González (Germany/France)
Production: Studio Seufz, Ikki Films (feature film)

Topo y la luz – María Ramos (Spain)
Production: WKND (short film)

Die Captcha Krise - Eric Giessmann (Germany)
Production: Reynard Films (short film)

O Lobo que Não Tinha Onde Cair Morto - Ricardo Adrêgo (Portugal)
Production: Os filmes do pinguim (short film)

Koffe Kat - Arisa Veeravitayases and Thawatchai Chunhachai (Spain/Thailand)
Production: Plastiek (web series)

The Means of Destruction - Nabil Samandari, Nicolás Petelski, Martijn Kreemers (Germany/Spain/Netherlands/Denmark/United States)
Production: Jellybox, Skjaldborn (web series)

Hurricanimals - Paulo Muppet, Luciana Eguti (Brazil/Spain)
Production: Birdo (web series)

Unboxing Mr Coo - Nacho Rodríguez (Spain) (video game)

Jordi & Oslo: La Cua Perduda – Joveguille (Spain) (video game)