James A. Castillo is a Spanish animation director and designer. He is known for directing the virtual reality experience Madrid Noir (2021) and the animated short film The Quinta’s Ghost (2025).
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). 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.
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. 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.
Selected filmography YearTitle 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 YearResultAwardCategoryWorkRef.2022 WonChildren's and Family Emmy AwardsOutstanding Interactive MediaMadrid Noir WonWebby AwardsVirtual & Remote: Immersive - Best Narrative Experience2025 WonSitges Film FestivalMéliès d'Argent: Best European Fantasy Genre Short FilmThe Quinta's Ghost WonMolins Horror Film FestivalBest Screenplay
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