Breaking news: the student film Trash (ESMA 2024) wins the BAFTA Student Award 2025!

International recognition for ESMA’s young talent

It is with great emotion that we announce this exceptional news: Trash, the animated short film directed by Gregory Bouzid, Maxime Crançon, Robin Delaporte, Matteo Durand, Romain Fleischer, Alexis Le Ral, Margaux Lutz and Fanny Vecchie, has just won the BAFTA Student Award 2025, in the animated film category!

Among hundreds of films from all over the world, it was their work that won over the jury of experts from the biggest studios and production houses in the film and animation industry. It’s an international accolade for these young graduates, and a resounding endorsement of the expertise and creativity of ESMA students.

A journey marked by hope, anticipation… and indescribable joy!

It all began in early May, when Trash made it onto the official longlist for the 2025 BAFTA Student Awards. This was the first selection from over 1,000 international entries, where the film already stood out alongside three other productions from the school—Cartagène, Dawn, and Tricot de Corps—and the video game Dans la peau d’un Polatouche.

Then, on May 19, the news broke: Trash had become one of three global finalists in the animated film category, reaching a decisive milestone and generating a wave of pride and enthusiasm throughout the school.

A trip to Los Angeles, and stars in their eyes

From June 9 to 13, all the finalists gathered in Los Angeles for the official ceremony, a moment rich in encounters, exchanges, and emotions. It was an opportunity for some of the filmmakers to cross the Atlantic with hearts full of hope, while another team traveled to the Annecy Festival. Finally, the verdict was in, and the filmmakers welcomed the news with palpable emotion: Trash was named the winner in its category by the jury of industry experts. This is an exceptional recognition of artistic, technical, and human achievement!

A victory and one step closer to a promising future

Created in 2017, the BAFTA Student Awards celebrate the most outstanding creative work from schools around the world in five disciplines (live action, animation, documentary, video games, and immersion), as well as a Special Jury Prize. Already honored to have been selected as finalists, the directors of Trash went one step further, winning this prestigious award and entering the world of professional film and animation through the front door.

This award marks a turning point for the directors of Trash, but also for the entire ESMA community, which has once again seen its high standards and teaching methods recognized on an international level. ESMA warmly congratulates each of the directors, Gregory Bouzid, Maxime Crançon, Robin Delaporte, Matteo Durand, Romain Fleischer, Alexis Le Ral, Margaux Lutz, and Fanny Vecchie, on this exceptional victory and wishes them all the best for the future. One thing is certain: this is only the beginning!

A journey marked by hope, anticipation… and indescribable joy!

It all began in early May, when Trash made it onto the official longlist for the 2025 BAFTA Student Awards. This was the first selection from over 1,000 international entries, where the film already stood out alongside three other productions from the school—Cartagène, Dawn, and Tricot de Corps—and the video game Dans la peau d’un Polatouche.

Then, on May 19, the news broke: Trash had become one of three global finalists in the animated film category, reaching a decisive milestone and generating a wave of pride and enthusiasm throughout the school.