The short animated film The Route, directed by Babak Beigi, has been officially selected for the main competition at the Imaxinaria Animation Festival 2025, one of Spain’s leading platforms for independent and non-commercial animation. The festival, scheduled to take place from March 12 to March 16, 2025, in A Coruña, Spain, serves as a meeting point for animation professionals and a showcase for bold, innovative works in the field. This selection marks another significant milestone for The Route, a film that has already made a strong impression on the international festival circuit. Before Imaxinaria, it was a finalist at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2025 (TAAF2025), selected from 997 submissions across 70 countries. The film has also been screened at the Tehran International Short Film Festival, Seoul Indie-AniFest, and Animafest Zagreb, further solidifying its reputation as a standout piece in contemporary animation.

Set in a dystopian world, The Route follows a truck driver burdened with a haunting task: transporting condemned prisoners to their execution. Initially, he distances himself from the horrific reality of his job, suppressing his emotions as a means of survival. But one fateful night forces him to confront the brutal truth he has long ignored. Through its evocative storytelling and striking visual style, the film explores themes of dehumanization, moral responsibility, and the psychological toll of violence. The film’s production showcases the talents of Babak Beigi, who, in addition to directing, was responsible for editing, animation, character design, compositing, and storyboarding. The production team also includes Raha Zandiyeh, Pooria Khalaj Tehrani, and Beigi himself, with Denag Malekian contributing as the background painter, Zohreh Aliakbari as the sound designer, and Tohid Foruzan composing the music.

Imaxinaria Animation Festival, supported by Afundación, is a distinctive event in the European animation scene. The festival is curated by Matilde Rodríguez, known for her work in contemporary illustration, and Alberto Vázquez, a prominent filmmaker and animator who has won multiple international awards. As an event that highlights creative independence, Imaxinaria has become a hub for innovative voices in the animation industry, with a particular focus on Galicia’s rich tradition of animation. With its entry into the main competition, The Route will be competing against some of the most compelling animated films from around the world. The festival will bring together industry professionals, critics, and animation enthusiasts, all eager to witness the latest trends and artistic breakthroughs in independent animation.

For Raft Film, which is handling the international distribution of The Route, this latest selection is a testament to the film’s artistic and thematic significance. As the festival approaches, anticipation builds around whether The Route will leave its mark on Imaxinaria 2025. The answer will be revealed in March when the competition unfolds in A Coruña.