Recognition at the Sitges Festival
The film *Irati* was honored at the 2022 edition of the Sitges Film Festival (International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia) with the award for Best Special, Visual, or Makeup Effects, a prize shared *ex aequo*. The production also received the Audience Award in the Official Competition section.
The accolade highlighted the collaborative effort of the various departments responsible for crafting the film’s visual universe: visual effects, practical effects, makeup, and character design.
Prosthetic makeup in the service of fantasy
Pedro Rodríguez («Pedrati») worked on *Irati* as the lead prosthetic makeup artist. His work was part of a production blending history, Basque mythology, adventure, and fantasy—a film where the presence of creatures, wounds, transformations, and supernatural characters is central to the storytelling.
Prosthetic makeup allows for the creation of volume, texture, aging effects, and physical alterations directly on the actors. In a film of this nature, these pieces must integrate seamlessly with lighting, costumes, art direction, and digital effects to appear convincing on screen.
Coordinated work across departments
The visual effects for *Irati* were created by Alive VFX under the supervision of David Heras. Practical special effects were handled by Drama FX and Jon Serrano, while Pedro Rodríguez («Pedrati») was responsible for prosthetic makeup.
This combination of practical and digital techniques was essential to developing an aesthetic consistent with the world envisioned by Paul Urkijo. The result demonstrates that special effects work best when every department shares a unified artistic vision.
A historical fantasy adventure
*Irati* is a 2022 Spanish production written and directed by Paul Urkijo. Set in a medieval world rooted in Basque mythology, the film stars Eneko Sagardoy, Edurne Azkarate, and Itziar Ituño, among others.
Its visual approach combines natural locations, production design, costumes, makeup, practical effects, and visual effects to craft an adventure story with a unique identity.
Recognition for Creating a Fantasy Universe
The 2022 Sitges Award recognizes the collective effort required to bring to the screen a universe populated by creatures, legends, and supernatural elements.
For Pedro Rodríguez Studio, working on *Irati* exemplifies the role prosthetic makeup can play in a fantasy production: not merely as a visual effect, but as an integral part of characterization, storytelling, and the film’s artistic identity.
A Film Recognized at Various Festivals
In addition to the acclaim received at Sitges, *Irati* won audience awards and special mentions for its special effects at other genre festivals, such as Fancine Málaga and the San Sebastián Horror and Fantasy Film Festival.
The film also went on to receive nominations for several Goya Awards, including Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Special Effects.