Damián Perea Lezcano is a distinguished figure in the animation industry with over 26 years of experience. He is the founder and director of the International Animayo Festival, the only Spanish animation festival qualifying for the Oscar®️ for Best Animated Short Film. So far the festival has 5 Academy Award® nominations, 7 shortlists and one winner with *In the Shadow of the Cypress*.
Perea's career includes significant achievements, such as a Goya®️ nomination for his first short film, Podría ser Peor (1999), the first animated film made in the Canary Islands. He also directed the animation for the Los García (2001) campaign for the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Finance, marking the introduction of the euro. As an associate producer and executive producer, he worked on Slide by Bill Plympton and Amanece la noche más larga, both of which were nominated for the Goya®️. He also won a Goya®️ for Best Animated Short Film for producing Cafuné.
In addition to his production work, Perea is a member of the European Film Academy and ASIFA Hollywood. He has directed short films, music videos, and exhibitions, and has taught over 200 masterclasses worldwide. Through his Animayo Educational System, he continues to foster the next generation of animation talent.