James A. Castillo

James A. Castillo
Born
Madrid, Spain
Occupations
  • Animation director
  • Designer
Years active2012–present

James A. Castillo is a Spanish animation director and designer.[1][2] He is known for directing the virtual reality experience Madrid Noir (2021) and the animated short film The Quinta’s Ghost (2025).[3][4]

Career

His feature film credits include character design and art department work on The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023).[5][6] He co-wrote and directed Madrid Noir (2021), an interactive virtual reality film produced by No Ghost and Atlas V that premiered at the Tribeca Festival.[7][8]

Castillo directed The Quinta's Ghost (2025), an animated short film inspired by Francisco de Goya's Black Paintings that addresses themes of grief and mental health through elements of horror.[9] The film features voice acting by Maribel Verdú, pioneered the use of virtual reality painting techniques, premiered at the Tribeca Festival, and was shortlisted for the Academy Awards.[10][11]

Selected filmography

Year Title Contribution Note
2021 Madrid Noir Director VR film
2021 The Mitchells vs. the Machines Character designer
2023 Ozi: Voice of the Forest Character designer
2025 Smurfs Visual development artist
2025 The Quinta's Ghost Director, writer, and producer Short film

Awards and nominations

Year Result Award Category Work Ref.
2022 Won Children's and Family Emmy Awards Outstanding Interactive Media Madrid Noir [12]
Won Webby Awards Virtual & Remote: Immersive - Best Narrative Experience [13]
2025 Won Sitges Film Festival Méliès d'Argent: Best European Fantasy Genre Short Film The Quinta's Ghost [14]
Won Molins Horror Film Festival Best Screenplay [15]

References

  1. ^ "Emmy Winner James A. Castillo Discusses Animating Goya's Madness in Tribeca Player 'The Quinta's Ghost,' Unveils Trailer". variety.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  2. ^ "2026 Oscars Short Film Contenders: 'The Quinta's Ghost' Director James A. Castillo". cartoonbrew.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  3. ^ "Director James Castillo Previews His Innovative Annecy & Tribeca Selected VR Project 'Madrid Noir'". animationmagazine.net. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  4. ^ "'The Quinta's Ghost' Filmmakers Unravel "Punk Rock" Haunts Behind Goya-Inspired Animated Horror Short". deadline.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  5. ^ "Haunted by Goya: 'The Quinta's Ghost's' Director and Producer Discuss Their Award-Winning Short". animationmagazine.net. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  6. ^ "TMNT: Mutant Mayhem's Alternate April O'Neil Designs Revealed". movieweb.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  7. ^ "'Madrid Noir' VR Adventure Now on Oculus Quest 1 & 2". awn.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  8. ^ "Madrid Noir". tribecafilm.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  9. ^ "How 'The Quinta's Ghost' Used VR Tools To Revive Goya's 200-Year-Old Black Paintings Aesthetic". cartoonbrew.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  10. ^ "The Quinta's Ghost". tribecafilm.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  11. ^ "98th Oscar Shortlists In 12 Award Categories Announced". press.oscars.org. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  12. ^ "Children's & Family Creative Arts Emmy Awards Winners Announced!" (PDF). theemmys.tv. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  13. ^ "Madrid Noir". winners.webbyawards.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  14. ^ "El Fantasma de la Quinta". sitgesfilmfestival.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  15. ^ "Gaua i Rabbit Trap s'alcen com les grans premiades del TerrorMolins 2025". molinsfilmfestival.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
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