16 February 2026

On February 24, at 7:30 PM, the Isabel la Católica Theater hosted the official premiere of the animated short film ‘Elvira y el Tesoro’ (Elvira and the Treasure). The production was conceived as a strategic centrepiece to support Granada’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2031.

The City Councillor for Culture, Jorge Saavedra, announced the inclusion of the film this morning during the Culture Commission—held as part of the regular municipal schedule. During his speech, Saavedra highlighted that this production “contributes to showcasing the immense audiovisual talent that exists in Granada and specifically emphasizes the city’s cinematographic potential, highlighting the role of local companies like Rokyn Animation and the direction of filmmaker Manuel Sicilia.” He added, “Our city has a top-tier creative and business network in animation and cinema, and this short film is an opportunity to project that talent beyond our borders.”

Furthermore, he stated that “‘Elvira y el Tesoro’ symbolizes how culture can transform Granada. Through the eyes of a young protagonist who travels through different parts of the city, we project a Granada that is alive, dynamic with an enormous future potential.” Saavedra also noted that the script is “very interesting, carries significant emotional weight, and offers a highly attractive image of Granada, aligned with our global city strategy.”

Directed by Granada-born filmmaker Manuel Sicilia, the film presents an emotionally charged narrative: the story of a young girl living in Granada who explores and visits various symbolic locations while imagining how the city’s status as a cultural capital could drive its transformation.

According to Saavedra, “Having Manuel Sicilia and a studio like Rokyn Animation involved is proof of Granada’s enormous cinematic value. This short film not only backs our candidacy but also makes visible the talent, creative industry, and audiovisual production capacity that exist in our city.”

Sicilia is one of the most recognized figures in Spanish animation and serves as the Creative Director of the Granada-based studio Rokyn Animation. Born in Granada in 1971, Sicilia is a director, producer, and screenwriter specializing in animation. He is widely known for directing and writing the feature films The Missing Lynx (2008) and Justin and the Knights of Valour (2013). The Missing Lynx won the Goya Award for Best Animated Film in 2009, while Justin and the Knights of Valour received the Forqué Award for Best Animated Film in 2014.

His career also includes collaborations with renowned professionals such as Sergio de la Puente, Raúl García and Antonio Banderas, along with his participation in short films such as El corazón delator (2005), La dama y la muerte (2009) and Extraordinary Tales (2015). More recently, on 1 February 2025, his short film Estela was recognised with the Carmen Award for Best Animated Short Film, consolidating a career marked by excellence and recognition within the sector.

The project was promoted through an agreement with the Granada City Council as part of the strategy designed to strengthen the 2031 bid. In this context, the Councillor insisted that “Unanimity and social, cultural and civic support are essential. A divided city would find it difficult; being united means we have already taken a very important step forward.”

For Jorge Saavedra, this project transcends the 2031 horizon: “The capital status is an opportunity to consolidate an intricate cultural strategy in the city with a view to permanence. This does not end in 2031; it is a boost for the future of Granada.”

With the premiere of ‘Elvira y el Tesoro’, Granada reinforces its commitment to an innovative, creative, and cohesive candidacy that aims to place the city at the centre of the European cultural landscape.