The Next Lab Generation 2026 workshop in Madrid showcased a diverse range of projects, each with its own unique approach to storytelling and technology integration. This year's event, supported by the Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council, brought together filmmakers and artists to explore the potential of VR animation software Quill and AI image platform Magnific. The six finalists, selected from over 70 submissions, presented their creative visions, offering a glimpse into the future of animation and storytelling.
One of the standout projects was 'Don Quiosker-Man', a Spanish short film that reimagines Don Quixote as a superhero, Kike, grappling with grief and financial struggles. The filmmakers praised Quill for its intuitive nature, allowing them to sketch, animate, and quickly prototype ideas in 3D space. However, they abandoned a more ambitious AI-rendered workflow, keeping only a few shots, highlighting the challenges of maintaining control and consistency. This project's emotional depth and creative use of Quill and 2D sequences left a strong impression.
'Rewind', a Spanish preschool series, took a unique approach by using Quill-built VR dioramas to recreate historical locations. The team experimented with ancient Egypt, Mount Everest, and Atlantis, but found AI less successful due to consistency issues. The series explores the friendship between two alien scientists, Boss and Banano, as they accidentally trigger historical milestones, adding a layer of humor and depth.
'Sad Mahan', another Spanish entry, tackled the issues of overtourism and housing crises in the Canary Islands. Directed by Ángel Arce, it features a stylized paper-cutout aesthetic inspired by classic video games and stop-motion animation. Arce embraced AI throughout the workshop, combining Quill animation with AI-assisted rendering, but emphasized the importance of control and not letting AI dictate the creative process.
'Taras', a Mexican fantasy feature, delved into the rich folklore and landscapes of Michoacán. Directed by Juan Luis Hernández, it explores the question of reality and fiction. Hernández praised Quill as a game-changer, falling in love with its capabilities, while using AI primarily for lighting and atmosphere. The project's ambitious world-building and exploration of indigenous traditions made it a standout.
'The Message', a deeply personal Mexican-Spanish short, tackled the complex relationship between a young woman and her estranged father. Directed by Daniela Belmonte Valencia, the film was inspired by her mother's story, exploring the question of mourning. The team produced the proof of concept entirely in Quill, avoiding AI to maintain an intimate, handmade feel. This project's emotional depth and unique approach to storytelling resonated with the audience.
'The Shower Club', a Spanish comedy, presented a group of older women who take on a nationwide movement to improve their local swimming pool's shower controls. Directed by Carmen Álvarez Muñoz and Miguel Medrano Malo, the film used hand-drawn 2D animation and glossy 3D environments. The team found AI helpful for background development but ultimately concluded that hand-drawn animation was essential for their aesthetic. Medrano Malo's memorable line, 'We felt like we were doing the boring part, and the AI was doing the fun part,' captured the sentiment of many participants.
This year's Next Lab Generation event showcased a wide range of creative approaches, with filmmakers and artists pushing the boundaries of technology and storytelling. The finalists' projects, from personal dramas to fantastical adventures, demonstrated the power of VR and AI in animation, while also highlighting the importance of human creativity and control in the creative process.
