Lindsay Knowler 2D Rigging Expert | Toon Boom Trainer Lindsay is a leading Toon Boom Harmony trainer and “cartoon engineer,” with nearly a decade of experience consulting for studios like Aardman, DreamWorks, and Disney.
From Sketch to Soul: The Art of Character design.
By Maria Vela
Maria Vela with a Masters in animation Based in Vancouver, Maria blends charm and storytelling in her design work, with experience on award-winning films and a growing online fanbase. Maria’s career has flourished across character-centric animation projects.
The Art of Directing Animation
By Douglas De Azevedo Rogerio
Douglas De Azevedo Rogerio Animation Director | TMNT | Titmouse Douglas directs bold, high-energy animation inspired by comics and urban art, with credits on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and other massive projects, Douglas has a full decade of experience in the world of animation.
SPECIAL GUEST FEATURE
NEW SCREENING ALERT!
We are excited to announce that we will be screening the first episode of the brand new show, Super Team Canada!
Following the screening, we will be joined by director Gary Ye and supervising producer Alex Cichon for an in depth conversation, a presentation of behind the scenes content and a Q & A section at the end.
Huge thanks to @atomiccartoons for their support and for making this panel possible.
THEME FOR 2025 Canadian Natural Beauty & Wildlife
Rivers, Lakes and Oceans
Find inspiration in crystal-clear waters.
Majestic Landscapes from Mountains to Valleys
Awe-inspiring peaks fuel creative vision
Canadian Plants and Animals
Celebrate the flora and fauna of Canada.
About the Festival
Global Gathering 🌎
Unites innovative animators worldwide in Princeton B.C. and Vancouver B.C. to celebrate the future of creative technology.
Creative Hub 🎨
Two days and evenings of celebrating animation and creativity in Vancouver and Princeton B.C.
Industry Leaders 🏆
Learn from industry leading animators celebrating the theme of Animation and Wildlife.
WILD ANIMATION FESTIVAL BRINGS
Behind the scenes of creators work
Live Q+A Sessions with Artists and Animators.
$10000 in prizes
Top prizes for each category and more.
Access to VR Gallery Venue 🕶️Digitally hosted VR Gallery.
Two Beautiful Canadian Cities.
Attendance Will Celebrate Creativity and Innovation.
Workshops 🎓
Hands-on learning with industry experts.
Screenings 🎬
Showcase of groundbreaking animated films with a Theme of Natural Beauty and Wildlife.
Networking 🤝
Connect with fellow animators and studios, and learn about Canadian wildlife and history.
Awards 🏆
Recognize outstanding achievements in animation.
Wild Animation Short Film Showcase Submissions Closed.
Theme: Canadian Culture
Be inspired by the Natural Beauty and Wildlife of Canada.
10 Second Showcase
Submit a maximum 10 second animation about one of our Canadian themes listed above.
30 Second Showcase
Submit your 30-45 second animation about one of our Canadian themes listed above.
AWARDS FOR BEST.
🏆 10 Second short Animation
🏆 30+ Second Short Animation
🏆 Runner Up Awards
Hosted By Princeton and Vancouver
British Columbia
Princeton 🏫
The Bronze Sculpture Capital of Canada.
Vancouver 🏙️
The biggest city in B.C.
Dual Experience
Unique blend of workshops and cinematic showcases.
Host Sponsor: Princeton, BC
Workshops In Princeton 🏘️
Workshops hosted in both Princeton B.C. and Vancouver.
Storyboarding 101
Illustrating 101
Making a short film.
Cultural Hub; The Similkameen Valley
🎭
Princeton has a rich history of fostering artistic expression and is the hub of the Valley that holds magical stories from around Southern B.C.
Natural Inspiration
🌲
Enjoy walks on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and Two Rivers Park with scenic views of both the Tulameen and Similkameen Rivers.
Local Cinematics
👀
Watch International & National short animation films that centre around Canadian wild life and the great outdoors.
WILD MERCH COMING SOON
Wild Animation Festival Team ✨
Luke MacBain
Festival Co-Director A seasoned creative with expertise in both traditional and new media, Luke works in the realms in-between, mixing Unreal Engine, drone photography and VR/AR immersive storytelling. He’s led digital innovation projects across Canada, built VR campaigns for B.C. towns, illustrated kids books, and taught next-gen creators at Vancouver Film School, McGill, and UBC.
Reem ElShaer
Festival Co-Director Reem is a respected 2D animation supervisor and educator currently at Capilano University. With deep experience across production pipelines and an eye for quality control, she’s also the Co-Director of Wild Animation Festival. Her teaching and production roles have positioned her as a leader in nurturing Canada’s next wave of animation talent.
Amy Airis
Advisory Board: Amy provides strategic guidance on web development and digital engagement. With her background in communication design and e-commerce, she helped shape the festival’s online presence and user experience. Her insight bridged creative vision with functional design, ensuring the festival’s digital platforms reflected its bold, artistic spirit.
Davida MacBain
Advisory Board: Davida brings sharp insight into community-building and strategic partnerships. Her guidance on festival set up and festival growth, has been a super support.