An Institute for the Moving Image program for independent animators exploring author-driven storytelling and distinctive visual languages
The Animation Cohort supports artists working outside commercial pipelines, with a focus on experimentation, personal expression, and narrative risk.
Over three months, 15 participants take part in three one-week intensives — two online and one in person — combining hands-on workshops, mentorship, and peer collaboration to advance original animation projects.
There are two ways to participate in this unique program. You can apply with or without a project in development. Five participants will be selected to develop their own projects throughout the sessions. The remaining ten contribute to cohort projects, offering feedback and expanding their creative practice through collaboration.
There are no application fees for the program, and small stipends may be provided to support participants’ individual needs upon request.
Program Structure
- 15 participants
- Three one-week intensives (two online, one in person)
- Project-based development + peer exchange
Five participants develop their own projects throughout the program. The remaining ten contribute to cohort projects, offering feedback and expanding their creative practice through collaboration.
Mentors support both artistic development and practical pathways, including production planning, financing strategies, and international circulation.
The in-person intensive culminates in a public pitch event featuring five projects, creating industry visibility and connection opportunities.
By the end of the program, participants leave with:
- A more defined creative voice
- Stronger collaborative skills
- Practical tools to move ambitious, auteur-driven animation toward production
- Expanded local and international networks
Animation Mentors
Matīss Kaža
Matīss Kaža is an Academy Award-winning Latvian producer, director and writer. He is best known for co-writing and producing the animated feature film Flow (2024) by Gints Zilbalodis, which won the first ever Golden Globe and Oscar for an independent animated feature. Recent producing credits include Sisters (2022, Warsaw Film Festival 1+2 Competition Winner) by Linda Olte, Drowning Dry (2024, two awards in the Locarno Main Competition) by Laurynas Bareiša. Matīss has directed and written for live action, documentary and the theatre, including Neon Spring (2022, Edinburgh Intl. Film Festival) and critically acclaimed performances at the Latvian National Theatre, like Soft Power (2023) and The National Network (2025). He teaches film directing at the Latvian Academy of Culture.
Stay tuned! More mentors and guests will be announced soon.
