**Key Points**
– Three projects: ‘Ashes’ by Fran de Olano, ‘Echoes of Drowning’ by Baboo Matsusaki, Gabriela Diniz and Caco Diniz, and ‘Padre nuestro que estáis en los cielos’ by Aroa Talens Ferrís clinched the top positions in Next Lab Generation 2025.
– Organized by Skwigly Animation Magazine, Next Lab Generation 2025 is an event that showcases the pinnacle of new technology in animation and video.
– The winning submissions showcased the flair and creativity that are breaking boundaries: a short film, a feature film, and an immersive video game.
Animation Tech Triumphs at Next Lab Generation 2025
‘Ashes,’ ‘Echoes of Drowning,’ and a ‘Padre nuestro que estáis en los cielos’ Shine Bright!
Applying Tech Innovations in Animation Field, Results are World-Class Pieces
Time to put on your 3D glasses and helmet folks, because we are blasting off to Next Lab Generation 2025, the Disneyland of animation tech! We got a thrilling rollercoaster ride, where the passengers were a short film, a feature film, and a gaming experience. Hats off to the brilliant minds behind ‘Ashes’, ‘Echoes of Drowning’, and ‘Padre nuestro que estáis en los cielos’ for carrying us to unparalleled heights. These winning submissions showed the powerful fusion of imagination and technology. So, gear up to be dazzled, because the future of animation is here, and it’s not playing around!
Standards in animation are being flipped like pancakes, and we’re being served the best of the stack, with syrupy tech innovations and buttery creativity on the side. The only question now is – Are you ready to take a bite? This is an exciting time in the world of 3D animation, it’s like we are in the fourth Toy Story movie, but in real life; and I’m not just talking about the technology, but the drama too, Oscars, here we come!
Revealing the lauded projects of Next Lab Generation 2025, showcasing trends in technology adoption in the fields of animation and video game production. The triumphant projects include Ashes by Fran de Olano, Echoes of Drowning by Baboo Matsusaki, Gabriela Diniz and Caco Diniz, and Padre nuestro que estáis en los cielos by Aroa Talens Ferrís. These winners will receive accreditation to the renowned Annecy MIFA 2025 event and an opportunity to present at the Next Lab Generation conference.
Credit: Next Lab Generation
In the limelight for its innovative application of virtual reality is Ashes, a collaborative project between Argentina and Spain that delves into the complexities of fraternal relationships. Our second winner, Echoes of Drowning, leverages the potential of horror in VR to narrate a mother’s anguishing journey in search of her lost daughter. Last of the triumphant trio is the Spanish feature film, Padre nuestro que estáis en los cielos, which employs exceptional artistic direction to address the vulnerability of childhood and the scars of abuse.
This award nods towards two eventful days of discussions, project pitches, presentations and networking sessions, held for the fifth consecutive year in Madrid. The aim? To optimize both creative and production processes through the mentorship and guidance of industry professionals.
A whopping 80 animation and video game projects have benefitted from Next Lab Generation’s mentorship till date.
The workshop aims to provide cutting-edge tools to independent creatives and studios resulting in significantly reduced production times, competitive edge and space for creativity. Since its inception five years ago, Next Lab has played host to 81 projects, pushing the envelope of animation with innovation and tech-driven creativity.
Fostering creativity and development for a self-sustaining ecosystem
Next Lab Generation serves as a proving ground for techniques and formats, thus transforming the way we look at the creative industries. The free software tool, Next Lab Grease Pencil VR, is a shining example of the innovative products emerging out of this space. Showcased projects like Catwalk, a winner from a previous edition, build on these technologies, emphasizing a feedback loop that fuels both creative and tech development in the sector.
*Next Lab Grease Pencil VR is a project supported by the CDTI grant as part of the R&D call for projects in audiovisual and video game sector. Next Lab Generation 2025 enjoys the generous sponsorship of the Community of Madrid, backed by the participation of Ibermedia Next and collaborations with ICAA, the Ministry of Culture, Madrid Film Office, and others.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/a-short-film-a-feature-film-and-an-immersive-videogame-are-the-winners-of-next-lab-generation-2025/