Join us for the first-ever WOMEN IN ANIMATION VIRTUAL SUMMIT, in conjunction with this year’s digital version of Annecy International Animation Festival and Mifa 2020, Annecy 2020 Online.
The theme of this year’s Summit is “Reimagining the Future: Race, Solidarity and the Culture of Work.” This year’s Summit covers two world-shaking topics–the pandemic and the recently reinvigorated global call for social justice–and their momentous effects on the animation industry.
WATCH HERE
Part One will feature the following panels on the intersectionality of race and work culture in the animation industry:
- Black Women in Animation: Looking to the Future
Moderator: Jamal Joseph (Professor of Film, Columbia University; Producer/Director/Writer/Activist)
Speakers: Jade Branion (Writer), Camille Eden (Vice President of Animation Recruitment and Talent Development, Nickelodeon Animation Studio), Misan Sagay(Screenwriter, Netflix), Karen Rupert Toliver (Executive Vice President of Creative, Sony Pictures Animation)
Panel Description: Led by moderator Jamal Joseph, this panel is anchored in personal stories and experiences. The discussion will also address being colorblind versus color affirmative, the importance of finding voice on both the executive and creative side, and the overarching power of animation to make an impact, given the freedom of imagination to create more ideal and more representational worlds. - Intersectionality and Solidarity
Moderator: John Agbaje, (Director of Animation & Development, FX Networks)
Speakers: Julie Ann Crommett (Vice President, Multicultural Strategies, Walt Disney Studios; Secretary of WIA), Erika Dapkewicz (Lead Editor, Sony Pictures Animation), Shari B. Ellis (Production Manager, Gaumont Animation), Kaitlyn Yang (Founder, Alpha Studios)
Panel Description: As we live through what seems to be the largest civil rights protest in human history, we see the value of intersectional solidarity in this movement, and that the shared experience of struggle in the system, support and solutions can help each other thrive. This discussion will cover a wide range of life experiences, allyship in action, and lessons about effective solidarity.
Part Two of the summit, focused on changes brought about by virtual collaboration as forced into play during a pandemic. Part Two will unfold as follows:
- Producing in a Rapidly Changing World
Moderator: Jinko Gotoh (Vice President of WIA, Producer for Netflix;)
Speakers: Rita Mbanga (Producer, Sandcastle Studios/Sunrise Productions), Carina Schulze (Chatrone Partner; Executive Producer/Writer), Osnat Shurer (Producer, Walt Disney Animation Studios), Christina Lee Storm (Founder, Asher XR), Niki Lopez (Creator & Co-Executive Producer, Nickelodeon)
Panel Description: Women leaders from various disciplines in the industry will share their perspectives and best practices in a world challenged by pandemic. - Artists Creating from Home: A Series of Home Studio Visits
A collection of pre-recorded clips offering a glimpse into artists workspaces from around the world.