Applications for the 2025 Stories x Women program are currently open. This initiative offers women producers, screenwriters, and directors a platform to showcase their authentic animation stories, particularly those from emerging markets. Selected participants will gain access to invaluable international opportunities, particularly at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (AIAFF), the world’s largest animation festival, and online movie streaming services.

The program seeks up to five delegations from eligible countries with pitch-ready animated feature films or series. These delegations will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of global industry experts.

Launched in 2022, the Stories x Women program aims to support women creatives, particularly from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, by offering access to significant international platforms. The initiative is led by Women in Animation (WIA) in collaboration with FIAPF, The Walt Disney Company, and UNESCO. Its core goal is to amplify the voices of women in the global animation landscape and promote diversity within the industry.

Key Details and Dates:

• Application Deadline: February 7, 2025 (11:59 PM CET)
• Program Duration: Virtual mentorship (March–June 2025); On-site program (June 8–14, 2025)
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizer: Women in Animation (WIA)
• Partners: International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), The Walt Disney Company, and UNESCO
• Eligible Countries: Africa, Asia, and Latin America
• Eligible Gender: Female/Non-binary individuals
• Target Group: Producers, screenwriters, and directors
• Field: Animation (feature films, documentaries, series)
• Number of Opportunities: Five delegations
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: France

Benefits of the 2025 Stories x Women Program:

The selected participants will enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Invitation to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (June 8–15, 2025)
• Economy-class flight tickets, seven-night accommodation, MIFA accreditation, and a per diem
• Visa fees, if applicable
• Access to virtual mentorship sessions with internationally acclaimed experts between March and June 2025
• Networking and pitching opportunities with industry leaders, including producers, distributors, and broadcasters
• Participation in the WIA World Summit (June 9, 2025)
• Connections to international networks and potential financiers for projects

Eligibility Criteria:

The program has specific eligibility requirements:

• The project must have at least one woman or non-binary person as the Lead Project Holder. The Lead Project Holder must be the director, screenwriter, or producer of the project.
• The project must be pitch-ready (advanced development or pre-production stage).
• Applicants should be citizens of the eligible countries listed below.
• Applicants must be 18 years or older and proficient in English.
• Applicants must commit to attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and all virtual mentorship sessions.
• Stories x Women encourages applications from historically underrepresented communities, including Indigenous people, disabled individuals, and LGB+ individuals.

Eligible Countries:

The eligible countries include nations in the regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The full list of eligible countries includes:

• Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
• Asia-Pacific: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niue, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen
• Latin America (LATAM): Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Required Documents:

To apply for the program, applicants need to submit the following documents:

1. Completed application form
2. Project mini-bible (max. five pages) for an animated feature film or series, including a synopsis and character presentation
3. Letter of intent (max. 1 page) explaining the project’s significance and the benefits of program participation
4. For team applications: Explain how the Lead Project Holder contributed to the artistic vision
5. Press-ready bio for each Project Holder
6. Valid ID as proof of citizenship for each Project Holder
7. List of workshops and events the project has participated in or is expected to join by June 8, 2025
8. List of grants received for the project (if applicable)

Optional Documents:

• List of previous works by the director or screenwriter (including non-animation content)
• Short presentation of the production company (if applicable)

Additional Required Materials (if selected):

• Press releases and marketing materials
• 3 to 5 examples of visual material from the project
• High-resolution headshot of each Project Holder
• Text introducing the project (150 words max)
• Short project logline
• One high-resolution project image
• Rough budget estimate
• Estimated running time (for features) or number of episodes and length (for series)
• LinkedIn and other social media profiles for marketing purposes

Selection Process:

The selection process includes an international Selection Committee of industry experts who will review the applications. The evaluation will be based on artistic originality and production potential. Selected candidates will be notified privately, with up to six substitutes chosen in case of unforeseen challenges. The selection process may include an interview, and decisions are final and confidential.

How to Apply:

To apply, submit your application by February 7, 2025 (11:59 PM CET). Ensure that all mandatory documents are in English. Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Apply Now

The official Women in Animation (WIA) website provides further details and information about the 2025 Stories x Women Program.