Returning to Annecy with SVA in 2022

Returning to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival after two years away was a meaningful moment for both me and our SVA Animation community. Annecy has always been one of my favorite places to reconnect with friends, meet new collaborators and celebrate the incredible creativity of the global animation industry.

Throughout the week, I had the privilege of representing SVA alongside our students, alumni and faculty as we participated in portfolio reviews, screenings, networking events and industry conversations. It was especially rewarding to introduce our students to artists and recruiters, helping them build relationships that often become the start of their professional careers.

The festival also gave us the opportunity to reconnect with industry professionals from studios including Illumination and Myzen Studios, while meeting artists, educators and creators from around the world through events like the Women in Animation World Summit. This year, WIA’s summit theme was “Gender Justice: A Global Call for Inclusion in Animation,” and I was part of a working lunch group that included Kara Oropallo, VP of training, outreach and artistic development at DNEG; Brandy Fisher Blood, head of diversity and inclusion at Walt Disney Animation Studios; Bonnie Lemon, VP of creative production at DisneyTelevision Animation; and Adina Pitt, VP of lead content acquisitions, partnerships and co-prods, the Americas, for WarnerMedia Kids and Family. The group was tasked with the topic of “mentorship vs. sponsorship,” both internally at studios as well as externally with nonprofits. Through meaningful discussion, our group truly believed that gender justice is extremely important and we need to continue to raise awareness and find ways and methods to work with the industry. Collectively, we must create an equal and fair work environment for the emerging talent I care deeply about. I look forward to continuing the partnership with the industry leaders on fostering the new generation of animation talent within as well as outside of SVA.

One of my favorite moments each year is watching our students realize that the animation community is far more connected and welcoming than they imagined. Seeing them share their work, gain confidence and leave with new friendships reminds me why Annecy continues to be such an important part of my work as an educator. I'm grateful to everyone who helped make our return possible, and I look forward to continuing to build bridges between artists, educators and studios in the years to come.