Three ESMA short films selected for SIGGRAPH 2026 in Los Angeles

SIGGRAPH, a key event for the digital imaging industry

Considered one of the world’s most prestigious events in the fields of 3D animation, special effects and visual technologies, SIGGRAPH brings together international studios, artists, researchers and specialist schools every year to discuss the latest innovations in the sector. For several decades, this event has been a benchmark for digital image creators.

For young filmmakers, being included in the SIGGRAPH official selection is a particularly important distinction. The films presented benefit from international exposure and are discovered by professionals from the biggest animation and VFX studios. This triple selection rewards the hard work, artistic rigour and technical mastery of ESMA students.

ORCHID SQUARE

Directed by BENACER-GAUD Inès, CHERNICHENKO Tania, GIRAUD Léa, HATTENBERGER Eléonore, LANDAIS Sacha, MAINETTI Andrew, METIVIER Maeva, PADMANABAN Abishek and WONG Huey.

The film takes viewers to the streets of Hong Kong on the night of the Hungry Ghost Festival. Jane, out with her friends, thinks she sees her little sister missing in the crowd. What follows is an intense chase through the city’s bustling districts, where the traumas of her past gradually resurface.

WHERE LOVE LIED

Directed by Chalmet Giselle, Guinet-Elmi Evan, Hatef Sizi, Saksham Saksham, Leriche Olivia, Maestracci, Việt Hà Nguyễn and Marcel Vanderweyen.

In WHERE LOVE LIED, Don Sorrentino gathers his loyal right-hand man Alberto and Mirabella, Alberto’s wife, for dinner after his wife is murdered. Things come to a head when his own son, Angelo, shoots the patriarch before setting off in pursuit of the couple.

CURSED

Directed by Marion Boitelle, Leïla Bouguerch, Myriam Brandao Serseri, Ashe Daniel, Margaux Deculty, Andrea Mamessier Degrange, Nicolas Paoli, Alisson Pigerol and Marie Seve.

CURSED tells the story of a fairy mother who discovers a prophecy foretelling the imminent death of her daughter. Determined to change the course of fate, she takes refuge on an isolated island and sets out to fight the curse, whatever the consequences.

A new distinction for ESMA students

The presence of three ESMA films at SIGGRAPH 2026 once again highlights the quality of the productions made at the school and the creativity of its students in 3D animation and special effects.

ESMA warmly congratulates all the ORCHID SQUARE, WHERE LOVE LIED and CURSED teams on this remarkable selection and wishes them every success for the 2026 SIGGRAPH in Los Angeles.