During the 21st Animayo Gran Canaria Festival, the representative of the MIA (Women in the Animation Industry) association in Spain, pointed out the existence of a predominant patriarchal model in feature film production, although series and short films show slightly more egalitarian dynamics.
“"There is no lack of female talent in Spanish animation. What is missing is more gender perspective in positions of power and more leadership opportunities for women."
The MIA 2025 Report, presented by the producer, manager, and educator alongside a conceptual artist, highlights that only 12.9% of animated feature films have women in directing or co-directing roles. Technical direction shows no female representation, and original music reflects almost total exclusion, with only 9.5% of compositions by women.
The overall participation of women in feature films is 29.9%, the lowest figure in the analysis. In professional short films, the figure rises to 37.2%, while series present the most balanced picture, with 38.3% female participation. The only department that achieves parity in feature films is production, with 50%.
Directing, screenwriting, and sound roles are the most masculinized, concentrating creative authorship and strategic decision-making. Regarding character representation, the report reveals that in feature films, only 37.5% of main characters are female, and the percentage drops to 35.1% for secondary characters. Female villains represent 38.9%, compared to 58.3% male villains.
Conversely, in series, women occupy 64.7% of main roles and 68.4% of heroines, with the princess archetype disappearing completely. However, only 16.7% of villains are women, suggesting that evil is still predominantly represented by male characters. This paradox underscores that the presence of women behind the camera, especially in development and direction, enriches the complexity and diversity of female characters on screen.
