Sisterhood of Young Animation Auteurs - SYAA was created after the realization of the gender imbalance in the Romanian animation film industry, and aims to offer support to the female animation film auteurs.

Our consultations with the I.L. Caragiale University of Film and Television in Bucharest revealed that, between 2016 and 2020, although 70% of the animation students were female, according to the results published by the National Film Fund (CNC), only 14.44% of the projects were submitted by female auteurs. Moreover, 15 years of experience in organizing Animest Festival confirmed that in our national film industry, women in leading creative positions are notable exceptions, not the norm. We think that the gender imbalance is not something related to a lack of talent or interest, but a systemic issue.

Our research is backed up on a European level by numerous studies conducted by cultural institutes, and gathered by the European Commission.

The main goal of SYAA is to increase the number of female filmmakers leading their own animation projects. We are determined to achieve this by offering them complex study program, meant to encourage them to further develop their knowledge on animation film production, distribution and direction 

The program is free of charge and this year welcomes artists from Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Ukraine together with Romania and Republic of Moldova.

The 5th edition of SYAA will take place from the 16th untill the 22nd of March 2025.

More information on eligibility and conditions of participation are to be found in the Rules&Regulations.

The program consists in a series of events: lectures, presentations, practical workshops, screenings and networking events structured in the span of 7 days, with up to 4 events daily, and it will provide the participants with coaching on a variety of topics related to animation films:

• Scriptwriting techniques for various target audiences

• How to create a portfolio;

• Project development opportunities accross Europe;

• Financing an independent film: understanding the financial mechanisms in Romania and Europe, introduction to budgeting, practical advice on financing opportunities;

• Making it in the film industry as an independent artist;

• How to found your own studio;

• Copyright law

• Film distribution and promotion;

The worksessions will be conducted by two group leaders; several European film professionals will join them as guest speakers.

The study programme will be complemented by individual consultations, case studies, film screenings, studio visits and networking activities. 

SYAA is a project based workshop, a study program meant to encourage and support female auteurs to further develop their knowledge on animation film production, distribution and direction.

Eligibility and conditions of participation are detailed in the Rules&Regulations.

You can apply here for the 2025 edition.