Loulé will host the first Ibero-American animation meeting in 2026

The Portuguese Association of Animation Producers (APPA) is preparing to hold a meeting in Loulé in 2026 dedicated to the co-production of Ibero-American animated cinema and audiovisuals, producer Nuno Beato told Lusa.

"It will be two intensive days, with the presence of producers from several Ibero-American countries, with a special focus on Brazil. There will be pitches [project presentations], workshops , and masterclasses , with a strong focus on the industry and also geared towards new authors, given the proximity of the University of Algarve ( UAlg )," explained the producer and APPA member.

With no official date yet announced for the beginning of 2026, this Ibero-American meeting for professionals will also result from a protocol to be formalized with the Loulé City Council and should have the collaboration of Casa da Animação .

According to Nuno Beato, from the production company Sardinha em Lata, the initiative will also serve to "mark a position in the Ibero-American animation market", because it is "very dominated by the Spanish language and Hispanic countries".

"We believe that strengthening the Ibero-American industry is important not only globally, even with the current crisis in the United States, but also within Europe. The union of these countries can yield very positive results; there are already many co-productions underway, but we believe it is a very important step for Portuguese animated cinema," he said.

The first edition of this professional meeting in Loulé, in 2026, should be focused on Brazil and Nuno Beato wants to join forces with Casa da Animação, which announced the creation of the Diogo Carvalho Award, in honor of the producer of Sardinha em Lata who died last April at the age of 47.

"The Diogo Carvalho Award aims to support and encourage new projects and talents, celebrating the spirit of collaboration and innovation that he always promoted," said Casa da Animação in a social media post on Monday, July 15.

According to Nuno Beato, this non-monetary award "is intended to encourage new talent" and aims to provide consulting support to animation film professionals, particularly regarding participation in markets in this area.

Photo: House of Animation.