Tono Errando

Director Tono Errando became a celebrated filmmaker nearly overnight with the success of the animated feature film "Chico & Rita," which was nominated for an Oscar in 2012. Prior to collaborating on the film, Errando worked in graphic design, music, and animation. His first credit came as a designer in the art department on the 1996 Spanish comedy "Una piraña en el bidé." His directorial debut came six years later when he helmed the comedic musical "La gran mentira del rock'n'roll," featuring Òscar Foronda and Nacho Fresneda. Errando also kept busy directing ads and music videos. As head of the audio-visual department of Estudio Mariscal, he attracted attention for a music video the studio had done using animation, leading to a collaboration with strong family ties. Director Fernando Trueba had met designer Javier Mariscal years earlier and the pair collaborated on several ventures, including a jazz-themed restaurant in Madrid. After Mariscal recommended that his younger brother Tono Errando join their creative partnership, the trio decided to co-direct an animated film. Taking advantage of all three men's creative strengths, the film became a huge commercial and creative success. Set in Havana, it's the story of Chico and Rita, a musical and romantic couple who fall in love then become separated against the backdrop of Havana's lively nightclub scene and thorny political landscape. In addition to its Oscar nomination, the film was voted Best Animated Feature at the European Film Awards.