In its first three years, more than 300 creatives from 30 emerging markets applied to the program
WIA is excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Stories x Women program are open. Now in its fourth year, Stories x Women is dedicated to increasing the diversity of voices in animation on a global scale. This program — one of the few pitch programs sending teams to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and offering mentorship and coaching — empowers women and nonbinary animators from emerging animation markets across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America to share their authentic stories and access international opportunities.
We’re proud to have The Walt Disney Company as the program’s sponsor once again, and to collaborate with FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations) and UNESCO.
Up to five two-person teams will be selected from a competitive pool of candidates to benefit from a series of mentoring and coaching sessions led by internationally acclaimed animation experts who will prepare them to pitch their projects at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market. The teams must have a woman or nonbinary person in a leading role (e.g. director, producer, or screenwriter) and need to have pitch-ready projects that are either an animated film or series. All participant expenses are paid for by the program, including travel, lodging, and accreditations. The deadline to apply is February 7, 2025.
“When we started Stories x Women four years ago, we knew it would positively impact talented women and nonbinary creatives from emerging markets,” said Marge Dean, WIA President. “Each year since, we’ve seen our application numbers increase, showcasing the incredible untapped talent flourishing in all parts of the world. As we launch our fourth session, we’re proud the program has opened doors and increased access for dozens of creators.”
In its first three years, teams from more than two dozen countries applied for the Stories x Women program. In that time, 16 delegations representing a dozen countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Malaysia, Peru, South Africa, and Thailand, have been chosen.
Stories x Women alumni said they saw a lot of value in what they learned in the program, which went well beyond pitching at Annecy.
“The best part of the Stories X Women program is that it is truly inclusive,” provided one 2024 participant as part of their feedback about the program. “Right from the start I felt that, despite my difficulties and limitations, I was in a safe space and that I would be welcomed to improve my project, present myself in public, meet with other mentees and show my work.”
Guidelines and the program application can be found at https://womeninanimation.org/stories-x-women/.
