#London #United Kingdom #Journey to the West #Abano Producións #MDLG

Collaboration Announcement between MD Local Global Ltd. and Abano Producións

In an exciting development for the animation industry, MD Local Global Ltd. (MDLG), based in London, and Abano Producións, a highly praised Spanish animation studio, have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed at producing an animated feature film inspired by the legendary Chinese literature, Journey to the West. This contract was signed on March 8, 2026, and marks a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration which began with a short film project in late 2025.

Celebrating Creative Collaboration

Abano Producións recently gained acclaim with the 2026 Goya Award for Best Animated Feature Film for their work, Decorado. The Goya Awards are the pinnacle of recognition in Spanish cinema, comparable to the Academy Awards in the United States, further enhancing the international stature of producer Chelo Loureiro. The collaboration aims not only to expand their previous agreement but also to realize their vision on a larger scale, exploring innovative narratives that could captivate a global audience.

To put it into context, this collaboration builds on the earlier Animation Production Agreement signed on November 12, 2025, to produce a short film. The MOU signifies their mutual intent to venture into creating a feature-length animation that resonates with the established creative setting of their prior works.

A Global Creative Team

The initiative brings together a remarkable team of creative professionals from various artistic backgrounds. Directing the short film is Isabel Herguera, a noted animation figure and former Artistic Director of Animac International Animation Festival of Catalonia. Crafting the screenplay is Gianmarco Serra, an interdisciplinary artist celebrated for weaving music, sound design, and narrative into cohesive cinematic experiences. Notably, Gina Thorstensen, an accomplished filmmaker known for her experimental visual narratives, will oversee visual development.

By leveraging their collective expertise, this project symbolizes a distinctive synergy between European animation sensibilities and Chinese mythological narratives. The ultimate goal is to develop a film that remains authentic to its cultural roots, while simultaneously appealing to diverse audiences worldwide.

Reinterpreting a Timeless Classic

In focusing on the theme titled, The True and the False Monkey King, this film aspires to address profound philosophical questions regarding truth, illusion, identity, and self-awareness. Through animation, the narrative evolves into a contemplative examination of the human psyche—where fragmentation leads to illusion, while clarity grows through self-discovery and metamorphosis.

The interplay of Chinese myth with modern European animation aesthetics aims to forge a cinematic offering that transcends cultural barriers, anchored in universal ideas that resonate across generations.

Economic and Strategic Insights

Beyond artistic endeavors, the potential for economic viability remains an essential factor for this animated feature. Animated films that are rooted in rich mythological stories frequently unlock opportunities for cultural and commercial success across multiple platforms encompassing both theatrical releases and streaming opportunities.

This project stands a chance to leverage a recognized literary narrative, combined with the acclaim of Abano Producións, and engage an international creative crew to tap into both cultural relevance and commercial strategies within the animation sector.

A Forward-Looking Perspective

Their recent Goya Award win coupled with the existing short film project strengthens the foundations of what promises to be a compelling international animation initiative. Plans to explore broader partnerships, festival circuit strategies, and distribution possibilities are already in tune as the project looks forward to shaping an innovative narrative that uniquely blends Eastern and Western storytelling traditions.

About Abano Producións

Abano Producións has established a robust international reputation for creating unique auteur animation projects, propelled by Chelo Loureiro's visionary leadership. Their accolades reflect a steadfast presence on the international festival circuit, showcasing productions at over 100 festivals worldwide.

About MD Local Global Ltd.

Based in the UK, MD Local Global Ltd. specializes in cultural IP development, animation film production, and global licensing. Their mission emphasizes creating a vibrant cultural ecosystem that bridges Eastern philosophies with modern storytelling, aiming to impact audiences worldwide.

In summary, the collaborative efforts of MD Local Global Ltd. and Abano Producións herald a new chapter in animation, promising to deliver a culturally rich cinematic experience that reimagines a beloved classic for a contemporary audience.