Spain unveiled as MIPCOM 2024’s country of honour

Spain has been named as the country of honour at the upcoming 40th edition of MIPCOM Cannes, which takes place in October.

The move follows a surge of global interest in Spanish programming over recent years and will see a programme highlighting the country’s expansion as a major international production hub and provider of shows to buyers around the world.

Events across the week of MIPCOM – which runs 21-24 October – will include high profile screenings, producers’ panels focusing on co-production opportunities and a Spanish-themed opening night party. Further events are in the works.

LR: Pablo Conde; María González; Lucy Smith

The programme will be curated by MIPCOM in partnership with ICEX Spain Trade & Investment, which is part of the country’s Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Business.

The Country of Honour activity forms part of the ‘Spain, Audiovisual Hub of Europe’ plan, a major five-year €1.6bn ($1.74bn) public investment initiative targeting a 30% rise in audiovisual production in the country by 2025.

Lucy Smith, director of MIPCOM Cannes and MIP London, said: “Spain’s historical impact on international television is irrefutable and its prominence on the global stage in recent years inescapable. It could not be timelier for Spain to be in the spotlight this year and we have some very special plans in the works to do so spectacularly.”

Pablo Conde, director general for International at ICEX, added: “Supporting the internationalisation of Spanish audiovisual companies has a clear objective for us: to expand the opportunities for producing and distributing their projects abroad. We do this by promoting their visibility, creating networking opportunities for our companies with international partners, and facilitating co-production.

“Being the Country of Honor at MIPCOM Cannes in 2024 will certainly promote these three fundamental aspects. Moreover, it will bring the perfect opportunity to celebrate the excellence, creativity and professionalism of Spain’s content industry.”

María González Veracruz, Spain’s secretary of state for telecommunications & digital infrastructure, said: “This spotlight will illuminate the talent, strength and duende of our industry. It is a leap that can only be good for our companies, the industry’s employment, talent and creativity.”

The 40th edition of MIPCOM will launch with MIPJunior on 19-20 October, followed by the main event from 21-24 October.