ESMA is expanding its international reach through Women in Animation

A new connection with the global industry

The fields of animation, VFX and video games operate in a deeply international environment. To support this reality, ESMA is stepping up initiatives aimed at connecting its students with the professional networks that shape the industry.

The school has now joined Women in Animation as a Leadership Global Fund Sponsor, a level of commitment that is particularly rare in the academic sector. To date, only two educational institutions worldwide support the organisation at this level, including ESMA.

This collaboration enables the school to strengthen its ties with an international community comprising studios, artists, producers and professionals in animation and visual effects, whilst preparing to roll out new opportunities for students from the start of the academic year in September 2026.

Women in Animation: nurturing the talent of tomorrow

Founded in the United States and now active worldwide, Women in Animation works to promote access to professional opportunities and support talent from under-represented genders in the creative industries.

Its work takes the form of numerous programmes dedicated to supporting students and young professionals: scholarships, mentoring, conferences, workshops, industry meetings and networking events.

By partnering with WIA, ESMA contributes to this mission whilst developing new international pathways for its students.

Opportunities available from the start of the 2026 academic year

One of the main benefits of this partnership lies in the resources and programmes offered by Women in Animation. However, the benefits of this collaboration will be rolled out gradually and will apply to students from the start of the academic year in September 2026.

Among the initiatives students may have access to are the organisation’s international mentoring programme, specialised workshops, professional events, and the WIA Scholarship, designed to support emerging talent.

These initiatives will offer new opportunities to engage with working professionals, develop an international network and gain a better understanding of the expectations of an ever-changing industry.

Details on how to access these programmes and the rollout schedule will be communicated to the students concerned during the 2026–2027 academic year.

Recognition of ESMA’s expertise

This announcement also confirms ESMA’s growing visibility on the international stage.

For several years now, the school’s student productions have regularly stood out at the most prestigious festivals. In 2025, the short film Trash, directed by students on the 3D Animation and Special Effects course, won the BAFTA Student Film Award for Animation and received several international awards.

This recognition is accompanied by an ever-increasing international outlook, with the development of courses taught in English and the welcoming of students from many countries.

Building the future of the creative industries

Beyond the partnership itself, this collaboration illustrates ESMA’s commitment to preparing its students for the current and future challenges of their professions.

Animation, visual effects and video games are now globalised sectors, where international exchanges, remote collaboration and diverse backgrounds play a vital role.

By joining Women in Animation, ESMA reaffirms its commitment to a more open and representative creative environment. The first tangible benefits of this collaboration for students will be rolled out from the start of the academic year in September 2026, with the aim of further strengthening their connection with the professional networks shaping the industry of tomorrow.

Discover Women in Animation

To find out more about the initiatives, programmes and events offered by Women in Animation, visit the organisation’s official website and follow its news on social media.