A Canadian program that trains underrepresented animators just announced 45 finalists for its next cohort, and one of its graduate films is heading to France.

Netflix Canada and the Animation Career Excelerator (ACE Canada) Society revealed the shortlist for ACE 5, selecting from 126 applicants across six provinces. The program focuses on animation professionals who identify as women, non-binary, and Two-Spirit, training them for senior creative roles.

The 45 shortlisted candidates will go through workshops and training before presenting to a final jury, which will select nine participants for the fifth cohort. Positions include writer, director, producer, head of story, art director, animation director, editor, composer, and production manager.

Meanwhile, ACE 4’s completed short film Rocketship Mai will screen at Annecy Film Festival on June 24 at the Imperial Palace. The private screening will include a panel on mentorship in animation and networking opportunities for the filmmakers.

“This shows how meaningful support and mentorship can elevate underrepresented filmmakers,” says founder Rose-Ann Tisserand.

ACE gives participants hands-on experience creating their own short films while receiving mentorship. The program is backed by Netflix Canada, Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada, Creative BC, Toon Boom, and others.

For mid-level animators trying to break into key creative roles, this is one of the few programs built specifically to get them there.