Chilean Animation industry Soars with 400% Export Growth, Showcased at Annecy MIFA 2025

Chile’s digital animation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a remarkable 400% increase in export services. this surge underscores the nation’s burgeoning creative economy, which will be prominently showcased at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival (MIFA) from June 10-13, 2025. A delegation of 34 Chilean animation producers and creators, supported by Animachi, the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, and Prochile, will attend the event, solidifying Chile’s position as a key player in the global animation landscape.

Chilean Productions in the Spotlight at Annecy MIFA 2025

Four Chilean productions have been selected for the official competition at Annecy MIFA 2025, marking an unprecedented achievement for the country. These include:

• “First,” a Typpo standard co-production with paloma Mora (Spain), selected for TV Films.
• “Cartos,” a short film with members from Uruguay and France, in Young Audiences.
• “Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake,” a feature film co-produced by Bird, along with partners from Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland, in Feature Films.
• “The Rumor is Born,” a short commissioned film directed by Moisés Arancibia, in Commissioned Films.

This selection highlights the increasing recognition and quality of Chilean animation on the international stage.

Did You Know? Chile won its first Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 2016 with “Bear Story,” marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s animation industry.

Government and Industry Support Fuels Growth

Carolina Arredondo, the Minister of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, emphasized the significance of this milestone, noting that 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of Chile’s first Oscar win for Best Animated Short Film. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to support and promote Chilean animators in the global industry. The Ministry’s support for internationalization, in collaboration with Prochile and local representatives, has been crucial to this success.

Oscar Troncoso, Prochile’s commercial director in France, stated that digital animation has become one of the most dynamic sectors of the Chilean creative economy. He noted the remarkable 400% growth in services exports over the past six years, driven by international recognition and awards like the Oscar for “Bear Story” (Academy Awards).

according to a 2024 report by the Observatory of the Creative Economy, the global animation market is projected to reach $441.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 (Fortune Business Insights). This growth presents significant opportunities for Chilean animation studios.

Creative Exports Surge, Positioning Chile as a Global innovator

Prochile’s data reveals that in 2024 alone, the creative industry exported US $98 million, with US $40 million attributed to digital animation services. This represents a 90% increase compared to 2023.Chile’s robust presence at Annecy MIFA 2025 underscores its creative potential and positions it as a driver of innovation and competitiveness on the global stage.

Animachi views this edition of MIFA as a crucial opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and forge new business pathways. The growth in creative exports, particularly in the animation sector, reinforces the expectations of the Chilean delegation. Max Nar Oschwald, coordinator of the mission, believes that the international recognition achieved by national productions not only validates the commitment to quality content but also opens doors for co-production, distribution, and strategic alliances in Europe and other markets.

Key Chilean Participants at Annecy MIFA 2025

Several prominent Chilean producers and companies will be participating in MIFA 2025, including:

• Track B (with Lucas Engel)
• Bird (with Hugo Cárdenas)
• Mami Male (with Ximena Araya)
• Big Table (with miguel Yilales)
• Punkrobot (with Pato Scale)
• Zumbastic Delegation (with Gabriel Noah)
• Hera Management (with María Graciela Severino)
• Merkén Studios (with Hugo García)
• Formidable (with Sebastián Ruz)
• GVG (with Julián Rosenblatt)
• Marmota (Bernardita Pastén)

Additionally, professionals from companies like Pastopus, Blue Giant, Smog, Typpo, Mattrope, and Creative Llolleo will contribute to the Chilean presence at this influential global market.

notably, over 40% of the participating producers are women, reflecting a sector that is becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive in its leadership.

Pro Tip: Networking is key at events like Annecy MIFA. Prepare a concise pitch and focus on building genuine connections with potential partners.

Chilean Projects Selected for Pitching Sessions

Two national feature films have been selected for key pitching spaces:

• “Baptism” by Track B will participate in Focus La Liga.
• “The Devil’s Vein,” a co-production between formidable (Chile) and Colombia, will be part of WIP Features.
• “Coko Yoko” by zumbástica will be presented in TV Series & Specials.

these selections further solidify Chile’s presence in showcases of projects with significant international potential.

Gender Diversity in the Chilean Animation Sector

the increasing representation of women in leadership roles within the Chilean animation industry is a positive trend.With over 40% of participating producers being women,the sector is demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

What are the biggest challenges facing the Chilean animation industry as it continues to grow? How can international collaborations further enhance the quality and reach of Chilean animated productions?

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