From the release:

On the occasion of the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where both institutions are participating, GOBELINS Paris – celebrating its 60th anniversary – and Escuela ESCENA – celebrating its 15th anniversary – are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking initiative: the Animation Short Film Incubator Program, set to begin in early 2026 in Mexico.

GOBELINS Paris, ranked World’s Best Animation School since 2021 by Animation Career Review, and Escuela ESCENA, Latin America’s top animation school and ranked #5 worldwide for Production Excellence in 2D Animation by The Rookies, are joining forces to support and elevate a new generation of Mexican animation creators.

With a shared commitment to creative excellence, this partnership will deliver a high-impact training program blending technical mastery with artistic vision.

“Talent and passion have long defined Mexican artists and animators. We’re proud and deeply grateful to collaborate with Escuela ESCENA in supporting the next generation of creators and storytellers as they discover and share their unique voices.” says Cécile Blondel, Director of International Development at GOBELINS Paris.

“At ESCENA, we’ve spent years striving to meet the highest standards of production quality, with the goal of positioning ourselves among the top schools worldwide. We’re thrilled to launch a joint program with a school we regard as a benchmark of excellence and creativity in our industry. I’m excited to see the remarkable achievements our Mexican students will reach through this partnership.” says Andres Buzo, General Director and Co-Founder of ESCENA.

Program Highlights
Fifteen selected students will work in teams to produce an original short 2D animated film, under professional studio conditions. Participants will go through all stages of the animation pipeline, from scriptwriting and storyboarding to final sound and picture.The program includes workshops led by expert teachers from GOBELINS and Escuela ESCENA, combining international excellence with local industry relevance.

Goals & Impact
This initiative aims to foster the creation of original IPs, enhance professional skills, promote entrepreneurship, and showcase the emerging talent of Mexican animators on the international stage.

Program Leads
Key representatives attending Annecy 2025:
• Cécile Blondel – GOBELINS Paris, Director of International Development
• Andres Buzo – Escuela ESCENA, General Director and Co-Founder
• Andres Palma – Director of ESCENA Animation Studio / Escuela ESCENA, Project-Based Learning Director
• Fraser MacLean – Escuela ESCENA, Industry Liaison and Academic Mentor