The Council of Ministers has authorized an investment of nearly 25 million euros aimed at strengthening the animation industry in the Canary Islands. This financial injection, channeled through the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Function and the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT), will be directed to the island-based company Ánima Kitchent. The primary objective is to enhance the industrial capabilities, creative talent, and international projection of the Spanish audiovisual sector, with a special focus on the economic diversification of the Archipelago.
This initiative seeks not only to reinforce the national audiovisual ecosystem in the field of animation but also to foster the production of high-quality original feature films. The aim is to consolidate a benchmark in the Spanish animation industry and promote the multi-platform commercialization of original content with international reach, particularly targeting family audiences.
The operation is part of a public-private collaboration strategy and has the backing of the multinational company DNEG, a global leader in special effects and animation with extensive experience and numerous accolades, including eight Academy Awards. The involvement of DNEG, part of the Prime Focus Group, underscores the significance of this investment.
“"Canary Islands is a unique case in the world where one of the main animation hubs has been created from scratch"
Pablo Rodríguez, Minister of Public Works, Housing, and Mobility of the Government of the Canary Islands, highlighted the unique status of the Canary Islands as an animation hub and welcomed the incorporation of DNEG and Surfing Giant-Disney as direct investments from leading companies. According to Rodríguez, these actions position the Archipelago strategically within the international audiovisual industry, attracting major productions and consolidating global animation.
The creation of new "quality" jobs and the connection of local talent with international networks of major productions are anticipated. The minister stated that "with strategy, perseverance, and by doing things with ambition and quality, the Canary Islands can position themselves at a world-class level in many sectors."
This investment is part of the second phase of the Spain Audiovisual Hub Plan, funded by the European Union's Next Generation funds and led by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Function. SETT also manages other financial instruments such as PERTE Chip and Next Tech.
Ánima Kitchent, founded in 2014 and based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria since 2016, is a leading animation studio in the Canary Islands specializing in children's content. The company expects to create 275 direct and 550 indirect jobs over the next five years.
