Five Women Animators Selected for 2024 Stories x Women Program
The Women in Animation (WIA) organization has announced the selection of five delegates for the 2024 cohort of its Stories x Women program. This initiative aims to amplify diverse voices in global animation by empowering women animators from emerging communities in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
The program, supported by The Walt Disney Company and UNESCO, provides mentoring sessions led by renowned industry experts and one-on-one coaching to prepare the delegates for pitching their projects at the upcoming 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market (MIFA).
Selected Delegations
The following projects and teams have been selected for the program:
* AIMÓ (Brazil): Fernanda Alves Salgado and Giuliana Danza
* The Human and the Android (Indonesia): Theresa Cornelia
* Jaé Natal! (S’up Xmas) (Brazil): Camila Padhila and Roger Keesse
* Karetabla (Argentina): Maria Rosario Carlino and Carlos Zerpa
* OARONA (South Africa): Thandiwe Mlauli and Angel Pitre
Program Impact and Importance
As Stories x Women enters its third year, it has emerged as a catalyst for highlighting the work of underrepresented women in the animation industry. “We are proud of how it has helped spotlight the talented animation creatives of underrepresented gender identities from Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America,” said WIA President Marge Dean.
The collaboration with Disney and UNESCO further emphasizes the commitment to fostering diversity in animation. “Investing in women creators is a catalyst for cultural diversity, equality, and sustainable societies,” stated UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone R.
“Supporting women in animation is essential to Disney’s commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers,” added Disney Branded Television Executive Vice President Meredith Roberts.
Program Highlights
The delegates will receive guidance from industry experts, including:
* Mentors:
* Jemma Finnigan, Head of Series, Netflix Animation
* Lori Forte, Creative Director, Media Lab, X
* Adam Wood, Manager, Creative Development, Walt Disney Animation Studios
* Natasha Fernandes, Co-Founder, Studio Mir
* Jacqui Lopez, Vice President, Animation, Sesame Workshop
* Coaches:
* Tina Gazzerro, Executive Coach
* Ginny Hogan, Storytelling Coach
* Leah Rudick, Animation Producer/Consultant
* Tim Webb, Artist Representation Agent and Producer
Project Pitches at MIFA
The delegates will showcase their projects in front of industry professionals at the MIFA Pitching Sessions on June 11 from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. CEST in the Impérial Palace, Haendel Room.
The program aims to expand access to international opportunities for women animators and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant animation industry.