MDJM LTD Expands Journey to the West Animation Project with Goya-Winning Studio
Event summary
- MDJM LTD signed an MOU with Abano Producións on March 8, 2026 to develop a feature film inspired by Journey to the West.
- Abano Producións won the 2026 Goya Award for Best Animated Feature Film earlier this year.
- The collaboration builds on their existing short film project launched November 12, 2025.
The big picture
This collaboration represents an attempt to bridge Eastern storytelling traditions with European auteur animation, potentially creating a new model for cross-cultural animated features. The project's success could demonstrate the commercial viability of mythologically grounded animation in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. With Abano Producións' recent Goya win and MDJM LTD's cultural IP focus, the partnership combines artistic credibility with strategic market positioning.
What we're watching
- Festival Strategy
- How the project will leverage festival positioning to build international profile.
- Distribution Channels
- Whether the feature film can secure theatrical and streaming distribution deals.
- Cultural Adaptation
- The pace at which Eastern philosophical themes will resonate with global audiences.