Application open for Stories x Women Program 2025

The program’s goal is to support access to international opportunities for women creatives from emerging animation communities of Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and, ultimately, to increase the diversity of voices in animation.

Benefits

• Virtual mentorship sessions led by internationally acclaimed experts
• Networking and pitching opportunities in Annecy, including attendance at the WIA World Summit
• Connection with key players from the animation industry (including but not limited to producers, distributors including broadcasting and streaming services, festival program leaders, etc).
• Invitation to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (expenses covered include economy-class flight ticket, seven-night accommodation, MIFA accreditation, per diem). Visa fee, if applicable, will be covered.

Eligibility Criteria

• The call is open to up to two team members, which must include at least one woman or no binary person who is designated as the “Lead Project Holder”.
• The Lead Project Holder must be the director and/or the screenwriter and/or the producer of the project and, if applying as a team of two (2), must be able to demonstrate a shared history of co-writing and co-directing the project.
• The Lead Project Holder must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries/markets listed under the Eligible Countries/Markets below.
• Project holder(s) must have a ready-to-pitch project, whether for an animated feature, for an animated documentary film, or for an animated series project. A ready-to-pitch project is defined as a project in advanced development i.e. with significant creative material already in place or at pre-production stage.
• Project holder(s) must have reached majority of age in their respective country/market of citizenship and must have reached the age of 18 years.
• Project holder(s) must possess sufficient English skills to fully enjoy the benefits of the program, including its mentorship session and opportunities of pitches and networking in Annecy.
• Project holder(s) must be able to attend the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market from June 9th to 15th, 2025 and must commit to attending all virtual mentorship sessions before Annecy.
• Stories x Women strongly encourages applications from communities that have been historically less visible. In particular, they encourage applications from Indigenous people, disabled people, and those who identify as LGB+.
• This Program, its applicants, and all selected to participate are subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations in the applicable commensurate jurisdictions.

Selection Criteria

• The Selection Committee Members, made up of international industry experts, will review eligible candidates and will pay particular attention to the following aspects of the application:
  • Artistic: originality and quality of the project
  • Production: potential added value for the project to participate in the program in terms of access to international networks

Application Requirements

• Mandatory elements to provide (in English):
  • The completed application form
  • A max. 5-page project mini bible for either an animated feature film or an animated series
  • A one-page (max) letter of intent describing why the project matters for its creators and how participation in the program can benefit them. If a team of two is applying, the letter must also outline how the Lead Project Holder has significantly contributed to the artistic vision of the project.
  • A detailed, press-ready bio for each Project Holder
  • A copy of valid ID as proof of citizenship for each Project Holder
  • List of workshops and events in which the project has circulated already
  • List of grants which the project has received (if applicable)

For more information, visit WiA.