Alex Rey’s Rapid Rise in Short Film Animation
In a swift solo ascent, a filmmaker in Alicante handles every facet of her project. She writes, directs, designs, animates, voices, dubs, labels, and even sometimes crafts the soundtrack. In just four months, two awards arrived, along with more than twenty festival selections. The short film Phonoramaa embodies cinema as a pull to keep creating, a notion that resonates with how the creator approaches storytelling. The work blends suspense, science fiction, and dark humor, and it has enjoyed a strong festival run since its distribution began last April.
The film has become a magnet for competition, reaching finalist status in more than twenty events. International appearances include a Mexican festival and the Athens Digital Art Fest, along with several prominent Spanish festivals. It has also competed in well-known venues across the country, such as Astorga and Caóstica in Bilbao, representing regions including Alicante, Sant Joan, Elche, and Aspe. Recently, the project earned the Best Short Film award at the Sax Film Festival in Crevillent, further solidifying its reputation. Five more selections have been submitted for August festivals, signaling ongoing momentum.
Alex Rey explains that the favorable reception to the short stems from a connection with the audience: the protagonist, inspired by James Stewart in Rear Window, receives a call that turns his world upside down, blending ordinary life with fantastic elements. The response suggests viewers recognize the moments that echo real life while stepping into the extraordinary.
This pattern is not new for the creator, who has produced a series of titles that echo personal and cultural moments. Earlier works and releases, including Amancio and other notable projects, have cemented a track record of festival success for this author. A pandemic-era effort, Doctor Dickinson’s Incredible Vaccine, demonstrated an ability to engage audiences while addressing timely themes. The project Cinema 4L has curated a balance of festival selections and awards, illustrating a steady growth in recognition within the industry.
To celebrate the filmmaker’s ascent, an animated clip was produced for her favorite band, the British group Supergrass, featuring a track from their second album. The video, posted on social media, caught the eye of the band’s drummer and other members, who shared it and even invited Rey to a Mallorca concert in June. The creative journey provided a firsthand reminder that dreams can become reality, a sentiment echoed by the Alicante artist as she reflected on the experience and the unanticipated opportunities that followed.
In speaking about the experience, the filmmaker notes that meeting idols can be better than expected when the encounter is grounded in mutual respect and appreciation. The project’s success underscores the value of perseverance, independent storytelling, and the power of a dedicated creative team working across multiple disciplines to bring a singular vision to life. The ongoing festival circuit and the collaboration with music artists highlight how animation can intersect with wider cultural moments, expanding opportunities for creators who pursue bold, personal work.
As Phonoramaa continues to travel the festival circuit, industry observers in North America and beyond are taking note of a distinctive voice emerging from Spain. The blend of suspense, sci-fi intrigue, and humor—delivered through a hands-on, do-it-yourself production approach—offers a compelling example of how compact, independent cinema can captivate diverse audiences while pushing the boundaries of what animated shorts can achieve. The project stands as a testament to resilience, creative ambition, and the enduring appeal of inventive storytelling across borders.