Quirino Animation Awards Expand Collaboration as Latin American Producers Adapt to Funding Shifts

Ibero-American animation event focuses on co-production, industry support, and year-round engagement to help producers navigate volatility.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:57am

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A striking abstract illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in red and white, conceptually representing the collaborative spirit of the Quirino Animation Awards.The Quirino Animation Awards embrace a collaborative approach to help Ibero-American producers navigate industry shifts.Santa Cruz Today

The Quirino Animation Awards, now in its 9th edition, is evolving its approach to better support Ibero-American animation producers facing tighter financing and more uncertain markets. Under new director Silvina Cornillón, the event is expanding its co-production forum, deepening ties with the Brazilian industry, and emphasizing consistent year-round engagement over a single awards ceremony.

Why it matters

The Quirino Awards play a crucial role in fostering the Ibero-American animation industry, which has historically had to adapt to fluctuating institutional funding and political shifts. As producers across the region confront new challenges around financing and distribution, the Quirino event is positioning itself as a reliable partner to help the industry navigate these changes through increased collaboration and industry support.

The details

This year's Quirino Awards, taking place April 15-17, will feature an expanded Co-Production Forum with an additional day of meetings, reflecting the event's focus on facilitating co-productions and collective work as producers adapt to tighter financing conditions. The awards are also deepening ties with the Brazilian animation industry, holding the nominees announcement in São Paulo and planning a special session on the Brazilian market as part of the Quirino Futures Lab program.

  • The 9th edition of the Quirino Animation Awards is taking place from April 15-17, 2026.
  • The nominees announcement was held in São Paulo earlier this year.

The players

Silvina Cornillón

The director of the Quirino Animation Awards, who has a full year in the role and a clearer understanding of the event and the industry it serves.

Atlantis

One of the premier animation studios based in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, where the Quirino Awards are held.

3Doubles

One of the premier animation studios based in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, where the Quirino Awards are held.

Red

One of the premier animation studios based in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, where the Quirino Awards are held.

B-water

One of the premier animation studios based in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, where the Quirino Awards are held.

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What they’re saying

“'There has been a lot of movement, and there still is. Now I have a deeper understanding of how everything connects: the institutions, the professionals, the challenges.'”

— Silvina Cornillón, Director, Quirino Animation Awards

“'We need to grow, but in a nice way, maximising the opportunities we are giving to the producers coming.'”

— Silvina Cornillón, Director, Quirino Animation Awards

“'If there is a group of professionals that can adjust quickly, it's those coming from Latin America and Ibero-America.'”

— Silvina Cornillón, Director, Quirino Animation Awards

“'The reliability on public institutions giving funds... sometimes can be really low. Co-productions and working collectively — that has always been the answer. Now it's more than ever.'”

— Silvina Cornillón, Director, Quirino Animation Awards

“'When Quirino started, it was part of a plan to build an industry in Tenerife. Now, eight years later, you can see how effective that was. There are many studios now — companies that have grown a lot, and others that came because of Quirino.'”

— Silvina Cornillón, Director, Quirino Animation Awards

What’s next

The 9th edition of the Quirino Animation Awards will take place from April 15-17, 2026 in Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

The takeaway

As Ibero-American animation producers face increasing volatility in financing and distribution, the Quirino Awards is evolving to become a more consistent, year-round partner that facilitates collaboration, shares industry knowledge, and helps the regional animation ecosystem adapt to new challenges.