In 2018 Zinemaldia & Technology was launched intent on positioning the San Sebastian Festival as a center of technological and audiovisual innovation in Western Europe.

Back for its second edition, on Sunday the summit will include  a masterclass, Creating Dreamlike Worlds, by VFX artists from Deluxe Spain and presentations from research and development professionals.

New this year, five European companies will compete in the inaugural Zinemaldia Startup Challenge, dedicated to recognizing entrepreneurs and new or emerging startups in the audiovisual sector.

One of the five will scoop prizes inlcuding €10,000 ($11,200) cash, a year’s free access to an incubation space within the Basque technology park network and potential investment funding of up to $560,000.

Irish startup Volograms’ software transforms video taken from various angles into volumetric holograms. These 3D models can then be used in VR and AR programs and experienced from any angle, allowing creators to update how consumers and brands interact, enhance virtual experiences and bring immersive storytelling to a new level.

Shield by Brave, developed in Spain, is an artificial intelligence age verification system which integrates into digital content distribution platforms for any device with a camera. The software will analyze a user’s facial features to establish the user’s age so that, when appropriate, it can block adult content.

Another Spanish entry, Flow Cut is an immersive video creation tool which utilizes AR technologies to allow users to convert any space into a professional studio with only a few handheld devices, forgoing a standard brick-and-mortar studio.

LargoAI provides data-driven filmmaking strategies to independent producers from the screenwriting process through development and production. The software predicts audience response, and when evaluated on a country-by-country basis can also be used in distribution planning.

The Scenso.tv SVOD service uses proprietary blockchain protocols to identify, secure and distribute revenues to the appropriate rights holders. The blockchain was developed and is maintained by French company Polkatulk.

The section is backed by the Basque government through its Department of Economic Development and Infrastructure and Creative Europe-Media and its European Film Forum with local research center Vicomtech collaborating. The Tabakalera cultural center as well as Basque companies Petronor and Tecnalia aided the festival in organizing the day-long event.

Jamie Lang