Antonio Zurera

ANIMACOR 2007 marks the Festival’s third year now, and it seems like we’ve always been here. It might be said that, this time, we have managed to establish ourselves for good. Well, actually, I’d say “almost” for good, just to be objective.

In our short but intense history, the effort made by everyone taking part on this project has been memorable. The institutions (the County Council of Córdoba, the Andalusian Regional Government's Ministry of Culture, the University of Córdoba, etc.), and especially those who represent them, like Carmen Calvo who, as the Minister of Culture, honored us with her presence and encouraged us with her words. Also the Centre of Audiovisual Arts and Cinematography (ICAA); thanks to Beatriz, for always being there. And the associations of professionals, especially the Spanish Association of Animation Producers (AEPA); thank you, dear Enrique. The Andalusia Film Archives, the media that have always supported this project –even sometimes more enthusiastically than ourselves–, the staff at the Provincial Consortium of Economic Development, the County Council of Córdoba, the Jury Members, the Selection Committee, the guests of honor who accepted their well-deserved tributes, the guests and participants from both neighboring and far off countries, all the friends and enemies that visited us, and, of course, all the people of Animacor. Indestructible.

All those who have made it possible for Córdoba to become a clear leader in national and international animation in such a short time, and that a meeting place for a sector with such significant economic and cultural growth potential should end up establishing itself in Andalusia as well.

The path ahead of us is a long one, and it will not be without its stumbling blocks, but at least we have started out on it. I ask everyone who is voluntarily or involuntarily a figure in the magnificent results we've had in these three years (we all know that, like Barcelona Football team, Animacor is more than just a Festival) to continue participating with the same zeal and enthusiasm, to keep ANIMACOR going on, for infinity and beyond…

Recommendation: do not forget to enjoy yourself during these days.

Antonio Zurera Aragón
Director Animacor'07