iACADEMY Animated Film Enters Oscar-Qualifying Animayo Gran Canaria 2026 in Spain
iACADEMY continues to expand its global presence in animation as One Year Anniversary, a short animated film by Dead Horse Productions - 3rd year BS Animation students, has been selected for screening at Animayo Gran Canaria 2026, an Oscar-qualifying animation festival in Spain. The film will be featured under International Selection IV, where it held its Spain premiere on May 9, 2026, at the Guiniguada Theatre in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Notably, iACADEMY is the only Philippine school included in the international shortlist featured by the magazine, standing alongside renowned institutions such as Gobelins (France), Escena (Spain), Filmakademie (Germany), and the National Film and Television School (United Kingdom)
Out of nearly 2,000 entries submitted from 78 countries, only 75 short films were officially selected for the 2026 competition sections. Animayo is a ‘Qualifying Festival’ for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the Oscars Academy Awards ® and the Annie Awards.
The winners of Animayo will be eligible for consideration in the Animated Short Film category of the Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules, and the Annie Awards.
"This achievement underscores the effectiveness of Game Changing strategies in student development. Filipino creators can produce work that is both globally competitive and culturally grounded." according to Monique Fandagani, iACADEMY's Program Coordinator for Animation.
"The achievement aligns with iACADEMY's commitment to industry-aligned education, particularly within its Animation Program under the School of Design and the Arts. Through a production-driven learning environment, students and collaborators are immersed in real-world workflows that mirror global industry standards, allowing them to transform concepts into festival-ready outputs." highlighted Hamill Buyco, iACADEMY's Dean of the School of Design and the Arts.
Beyond institutional recognition, the film's selection underscores a broader narrative: Filipino animation continues to gain momentum on the world stage. As more local stories find their place in international festivals, they contribute to a growing body of work that represents the country's creative identity.
Animayo Gran Canaria serves as a key cultural platform for animation, offering visibility and opportunity for creators to connect with global audiences and industry leaders. For One Year Anniversary, its screening marks not just a premiere, but a step forward in showcasing Filipino talent at the highest level.
As iACADEMY strengthens its presence in global creative spaces, achievements like this reflect its mission to develop Game Changers, creators who are ready to push boundaries and deliver work that truly goes Beyond Better.