The mayor of Almendralejo, José María Ramírez, has announced the programme for the fifth edition of the Festival FPS (Frame, Play & Screen), taking place from 20 to 22 November across various venues in the city. Ramírez was joined by Juliana Megías, the councillor for Business Development; José María Fernández de Vega, the festival director; and Alicia Díez from the organising team.
During the presentation, Ramírez emphasised the festival's growth, which is supported by the town council and the Animation and Video Game Factory. He reiterated the municipality's commitment to this initiative, which will bring together 140 professionals, creators, students, and enthusiasts in animation, video games, and audiovisual creation. He noted that the council has backed this innovative format since its inception, recognising its connection to creative and technological sectors with significant potential.
Five editions later, the FPS has established itself as a key event that fosters activity, attracts knowledge, and provides new opportunities for cultural expression, particularly among young people. Fernández de Vega highlighted the current success of Spanish animation and its international recognition, along with the involvement of Spanish professionals in major cinematic productions.
All spots for talks and workshops in this year's festival have been filled within a week, according to Fernández de Vega, who has won two Goya Awards. A key highlight will be the presentation of the Trazo Infinito Award to Borja Montoro, recognising his contributions to both national and international animation. Montoro is regarded as one of Spain's most prominent animators, having worked with Walt Disney and collaborated with major companies like DreamWorks and Sony Pictures. The award will be presented on Sunday, 22 November.
On Saturday, 21 November, Montoro will give a talk titled “My life among characters” and lead a gesture drawing workshop called “Bring the Stroke to Life.” The festival will feature prominent figures from the animation, film, and video game industries, who will share their experiences through various meetings and educational activities. Alongside Montoro and Álex Rey, participants include director and producer Manuel Sicilia, screenwriter David Galán Galindo, visual artist Javi de la Chica, video game developer Silvia Lara, and Pixel Art specialist Gonzalo Sanz (Gonstar).
The inaugural day on Friday, 20 November, will commence at 20:00 at the Conventual San Antonio with a screening of animated short films, including “La triste figura” and “Antitermitas,” both contenders for the 2027 Goya Award for animation. On Saturday, 21 November, the Cines Victoria will host the screening of the feature film “A Magnificent Life” (2025) by French director Sylvain Chomet.
The festival's poster for this edition is designed by Álex Rey, a candidate for the Goya for Best Animated Short for “Pobre marciano” (2025). The artwork symbolises the connection between the past and future, bridging the worlds of animation and video games. Additionally, an exhibition of the II FPS Poster Competition will be on display at the Conventual San Antonio from 12 to 20 November.
This festival is an initiative of the Almendralejo Town Council and the Animation and Video Game Factory, funded by the town council and the Economy, Employment and Digital Transformation Department of the Junta de Extremadura. This year’s edition also involves the Global Entrepreneurship Space of Almendralejo, the Cajalmendralejo Foundation, the Film Library of Extremadura, and the Almendralejo Immersive Realities Incubator. With this fifth edition, Almendralejo reaffirms its position as a hub for talent, creativity, and the animation and video game industry.
