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If you’re a big animation fan and would like to be part of a dynamic and colorful animation scene in early September, you will definitely need to check out the Pixelatl Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico. The 2024 edition of the event (Sept. 3-7) promises to be yet another star-studded outing, so we reached out to the festival’s wonderful director and CEO, José Iñesta, to get a sneak peek of what attendees can expect.
Animation Magazine: Congrats on yet another edition of El Festival! Can you tell us a bit about what we can expect to see?
José Iñesta: Of course, we will have our traditional screenings, our official selection, a space dedicated to video games and an area where illustrators and artists can sell their art. There will be great workshops and panels to highlight some achievements of known artists from around the world, recruitment, portfolio reviews, our exhibition floor and our famous market, in which the most important studios in Latin America participate.
In addition, this year we will have a new stage designed for members of the community, where they can talk about important topics or projects they are working on. In this space, we will also have a drawing workshop, showcases of new technology and inspiring talks for everybody. It’s important to lift our spirits during hard times and share personal successes. New projects help us remember that we are in the same boat, and when somebody thrives, everybody in the community gets motivated.
What is the theme of the festival this year and why?
The theme of this year’s festival is facing your fears, because we believe that sometimes fear stops us from trying or doing [things]. And in this time of uncertainty, because of political and industry reasons, we need to be bold and act. We need to continue to try and not surrender to the circumstances that affect us. At the end of the day, love is the absence of fear, and in Pixelatl, we are trying to continue to foster openness and generosity in our emerging artistic community. For us, that’s a very powerful message.
Who are some of the big animation names that are part of the 2024 festival?
Like every year, we have amazing talent from all the studios. We are very happy to have amazing talent like Miguel Puga (The Casagrandes), Natasha Kline (Primos), Jorge R. Gutierrez (Maya and the Three), Signe Baumane (My Love Affair with Marriage), Ian Jones-Quartey (OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes), Sara Varon (Robot Dreams), Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates (Win or Lose), among the many other talented artists who will participate in the festival.
Early 2024 was a shaky time for animation, but this summer we witnessed animated titles saving the film industry. What has this past year been like for Mexican animation?
Mexican animation has struggled like the rest of the global industry. Original features were down from previous years, and some series didn’t continue to the second season because of the mergers of big studios and lack of national-level incentives. However, despite the slowdown, Jalisco launched a tax incentive to help studios produce and attract some international projects. Also, amazing projects are coming up next year that are keeping the community excited: feature films such as Cinema Fantasma’s Frankelda and the Prince of Spooks, Warner Bros. Discovery and Anima Studio’s Aztec Batman and Sofía Carrillo’s Insectario. In the series space, Huevocartoon has an amazing project that we are eager to get to see as well.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is watching projects that are pitched on Pixelatl hit the screens and seeing artists rise and become showrunners. It’s also very rewarding to see the community grow and see them help one another. We are still far off where we should be in terms of production and original content, but we are hopeful that all the talent that is being developed and nourished in the future could create the big hit series or features that will help boost the local industry.
Why would you advise everyone in the animation world to come to Guadalajara and attend Pixelatl?
I believe Pixelatl has new trends and artists that the world should take into consideration. There are some stories the world should hear and some uses of animation that could inspire other countries to do the same. Also, the festival is built so that people can connect with one another. Animation is a collaborative effort, and we need to continue fostering these type of events where people meet each other and talk.
What are some of the must-see events of the new edition?
Our official selection with our new section on experimental animation. I always enjoy seeing the student section, because these are the voices of the future. I’m excited about some of the keynotes and master classes, especially the panel about Steven Universe, where the creative team of the show will talk about the process, the ideas and how they executed the show.
Any final words for our readers?
We hope to see you all in Guadalajara, Jalisco. It’s an obligatory destination for stop-motion artists, illustrators, video game developers, comic-book writers, animators and all the talent that make up our industry. It’s a very busy event but with lots of social interaction. People in lines, at the screenings, conferences, etc., are always trying to help one another. So if you are coming to Pixelatl, be prepared to help and be helped by the people in the community. It’s part of the generous spirit of the event. The team puts our heart and soul every year in the festival, and it’s contagious. Those who come to Mexico will leave with their hearts lifted!
For more information, visit pixelatl.com and elfestival.mx.
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