WIA NYC CALL FOR ENTRIES FROM TRI-STATE - THEME “COMMUNITY”
ABOUT
WIA (Formerly known as Women in Animation) is a non-profit organization with a mission to bring together the global animation community to empower and advocate for people of underrepresented gender identities in the art, technology, production, and business of animation, inspiring excellence and justice in all facets of the industry. WIA NYC is one of many WIA’s communities with the goal of serving the community in the Tri-State area (including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut), with annual programming including panel discussions, studio tours, networking events, talent development workshops and the very important, annual ANIMATION FESTIVAL. The festival was founded in 2024 by Ashley Gerst, an Independent Filmmaker and a WIA-NYC co-lead, with the support of many others and in 2026, WIA NYC ANIMATION FESTIVAL returns late October 2026 with many exciting programming opportunities, including panels, filmmaker meet & greets and screenings)
THEME
This year's theme is "Community". While we continue to welcome animated films of all subjects, we invite artists to consider how connection, collaboration, belonging, and shared experience shape the stories we tell. A new award will be presented for this: Best Community-Themed Animated Film. Through this theme, we hope to highlight the power of animation to bring people together, amplify diverse voices, and reflect the networks of care and creativity that sustain us.
EVENT
Date: November 1, 2026 (with additional programming on October 29 and 30, 2026)
Location: SVA Theatre (333 West 23rd Street, NYC)
WIA COMMUNITY/MEMBERSHIP
All current WIA members can enjoy the perk of free submissions for the Earlybird and Regular Deadlines and reduced submission fees for the Late and Extended Deadlines by providing proof of your membership! To do so, email screenshots of your membership page and your film submission to <nyc@wearewia.org>.
For non-members, a submission fee is required but you will be given a one-year membership (Creator level for professionals and Maker level for students) so you can become an official member. More on the membership tiers can be found here: https://wearewia.org/updated-membership-levels/
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UPLOAD REQUIREMENTS
PLEASE UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS UNDER “FILES & ATTACHMENTS:
CV/Resume
Synopsis of the film you’re submitting.
Director’s Bio
Proof of WIA membership (if applicable)
For students: please provide proof. Example: a photo of your school ID.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at nyc@wearewia.org
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ABOUT WIA:
WIA (formerly known as Women in Animation) is a non-profit organization with a mission to bring together the global animation community to empower and advocate for people of underrepresented gender identities in the art, technology, production, and business of animation, inspiring excellence and justice in all facets of the industry. WIA envisions a world in which people of all gender identities share fully in the creation, production, and rewards of animation, resulting in richer and more diverse entertainment and media that move our culture forward. To serve the global communities, WIA has Chapters and Collectives worldwide, and the second largest is our very own WIA NYC Chapter!
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ABOUT OUR SPONSORS: SVA BFA ANIMATION & SVA 3D ANIMATION and VISUAL EFFECTS:
The School of Visual Arts (SVA) has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for over seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking, SVA continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation, social responsibility, and meaningful engagement within the global creative community. This event is proudly sponsored by SVA’s BFA Animation and BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects departments, which are deeply connected to the animation industry, fostering relationships with studios, artists, and organizations around the world, while preparing students to contribute to an increasingly interconnected creative landscape. SVA is committed to advocating for all emerging artists by actively providing resources and collaborating closely with WIA, both of which share a common mission to advance equity and inclusion.
Awards:
Best Animated Film
Best Community Themed Animated Film
Best Animated Student Film
Prizes:
Winners will receive a plaque, a one-year membership to WIA and additional prizes. Previous prizes included: Toonboom, The Art of Aaron Blaise, Museum of Moving Image and Mighty Oak Ed!
