Loulé hosted the first edition of the Ibero-American Animation Market – MAIA, which took place between January 21 and 23 and was attended by the Portugal Film Commission, reinforcing the institutional commitment to the development and internationalization of Portugal’s animation sector.

As part of the event, the Executive Director of the Portugal Film Commission, Ana Marques, took part in the panel discussion “Animation Is Not a Genre,” where she highlighted the strategic value of Portuguese animation as a tool for Portugal’s cultural, creative, and economic presence on the international stage. MAIA also featured the participation of Manuel Claro, Vice-President of the Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual (ICA), further underlining institutional involvement in supporting the sector.

Organized by the Portuguese Association of Animation Producers (APPA), MAIA brought together around 130 professionals from Ibero-American countries, with Brazil as the guest country of honor. The program included pitching sessions, masterclasses, debates, and professional meetings, promoting direct contact between creators, studios, and television and distribution platforms.

The market also recognized new talent through development support awards for animated series, short films, and feature films, contributing to the strengthening of Portuguese animation’s international presence.

Holding MAIA outside the Lisbon and Porto axis reinforced the importance of decentralizing the animation sector, bringing professionals and opportunities closer to other regions and helping to establish the Algarve as an active territory for production and networking within the industry.