In the 67th edition of ZINEBI, the International Festival of Documentary and Short Film of Bilbao, inaugurated on November 21, the Euskadi Public School of Art and Design (IDarte) plays an active role in the creation of the official short opening film for the Beautiful Docks documentary section.
The project was initiated by screenwriter and director Pedro Rivero, head of ZINEBI’s Animation Lab (ZAL), who invited animator, director, and producer Sonia Estévez to lead the creation. For the development process, Estévez worked closely with second-year students from IDarte’s Animation program, involving them in a creative and professionally enriching experience.
he animation piece is conceived as a poetic reflection on the value of archives and the passage of time. Throughout the various stages of the project, students Estefanía Quilchano, Kamila Rodríguez, and Sofía Velasco constructed a handcrafted scale model: an immersive space that invites the viewer in through a rustic, heavy door—symbolizing access to other realities and shared memory.
The work was created using Stop Motion techniques, with additional use of Pixilation. Stop Motion involves frame-by-frame animation using physical objects, while Pixilation employs real people to create a staggered or mechanical movement effect. Together, these techniques bring a textured, organic aesthetic to the piece, evoking artistic gesture and the traces of time.
IDarte’s Photography program also contributed to the project. Students Ane Machicote, Garoa Zubikaray, Lucía Flores, and Jone Carbajosa generously shared their photographic work, which, together with a visual archive provided by artist Gorka Salmerón, served as the visual foundation for the animation—enhancing its atmosphere and depth.
IDarte extends its heartfelt thanks to Estefanía, Sofía, and Kamila for their dedication and artistic sensitivity, and to Sonia Estévez for her creative leadership and for involving the school in this inspiring project blending education, creativity, and visual experimentation.