Founding members Manolo Matji and Lola Salvador received the DAMA Honorary Award.

DAMA, the colletive management organization specializing in the audiovisual sector, celebrated its 25th anniversary on Thursday, December 12th, with an event attended by members, collaborators, and distinguished professionals from the industry. The ceremony was hosted by journalists María Guerra and Mariola Cubells.

During the event, the DAMA Honorary Awards were presented to founding members Manolo Matji and Lola Salvador, who played a fundamental role in the organization’s establishment and evolution over the past quarter-century. “DAMA has always strived to be an organization created by and for audiovisual authors. Today, with over 3,000 members and 85% of the audiovisual repertoire managed in Spain, we can confidently say we have fulfilled our founding mission,” said DAMA President Virginia Yagüe during her speech.

The event also included the launch of a book featuring 22 articles on DAMA’s key milestones, written by some of its most notable contributors. Yagüe, former President Borja Cobeaga, and Carlos López, a former board member, participated in a panel discussion highlighting the contributions of more than 50 board members who have supported the organization’s growth.

The Director General of the Spanish Film and Audiovisual Arts Institute (ICAA), Ignasi Camós, emphasized in his address: “This anniversary represents 25 years of defending the rights of audiovisual authors and creators. DAMA is indispensable in a world where audiovisual work is both an industry and a cultural force, and where protecting creators’ rights is essential.”

Since its founding in 1999, DAMA has established itself as a leader in copyright management and the promotion of talent. With a focus on equality, diversity, and sustainability, the organization leads initiatives such as Laboratorio Segunda Versión, supporting creators over 50; DAMA Ayuda, an incubator for emerging creators; DAMA Cortos, a short film script production contest; DAMA Forma, which promotes audiovisual literacy in schools; and the DAMA Lola Salvador Screenwriting Award, the most prestigious screenwriting prize in Spain.

On the international stage, DAMA is a member of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), the world’s largest coalition of collective management organisations, and the Society of Audiovisual Authors (SAA). Through 56 agreements with foreign entities, DAMA ensures the protection of its members’ rights globally.

In addition to its cultural contributions, DAMA’s headquarters in Madrid has become a cultural hub, offering professional events, lectures, and screenings. In January 2025, DAMA will open a second headquarters in the centre of Barcelona, near Plaza de la Universidad. The 300-square-meter space will serve as a new meeting point for audiovisual creators, furthering the organization’s commitment to the cultural and professional development in the sector.

DAMA also stands out for its support programs, including grants for work-life balance, professional tools, and training. In 2025, the organization will expand its offerings to include new grants for script development and pitchings.

Remaining true to its mission of being an entity created by and for audiovisual authors, DAMA celebrates this 25th anniversary as a landmark moment in its history and looks forward to continuing its legacy over the next 25 years.