Asians in Animation – AIA

Our Feature Pre-Production Program is reaching for the stars! Building off the momentum from the previous programs, Asians in Animation has launched its most ambitious project yet: an epic sci-fi romantic comedy feature. At the heart of this story is a long-distance romance inspired by writer Peri Segel’s (@p.segel ) own journey with her high school sweetheart. “We went to different colleges, began our careers in different cities, and still grew together through it all,” she shares. “Despite the distance, I’ve never felt closer to another person, and I wanted to bring that emotional truth to this story.” Blending cosmic adventure and heartfelt connection, this feature explores what it means to stay connected to the people we love, even across impossible distances. We cannot wait to share more as this journey unfolds. Read the full May Update to learn more about the Feature Program and see more concept art on our website. (Link in bio.) Art by Lucy Feng (@lucystilldraws )

We’re adding a new dimension! Our first CG production has officially moved from concept to creation. What began as a series of pitches centered on the theme of resilience has evolved into a singular, moving story written by Amir Agoora. Inspired by his Yemeni roots, the film follows a young boy’s path to rediscovering his inner strength amidst the challenges of conflict. This story is influenced by an animator, Haneen, working with children in Gaza and finds itself through the themes of self-empowerment and determination. This project was made possible by an overwhelming response of 100+ applications from across the globe. Our team of artists is currently hard at work turning our initial storyboards into a 3D world, building out the characters and environments that will bring this vision of finding light in difficult places to life. To read more about the May update, head on to our website in the link in bio! Art by Soli Hu (@soleilthesun1 ) and Kevin Zhou (@kevindearest ) #AsiansInAnimation #IndieAnimation #CGAnimation

The FOREST is coming to life! Our 2D cohort has been hard at work! Over the last three months, the team has leaned into crafting a story that highlights positivity, wonder, and the strength of community. Directed by Ashley Lam (@helloashleylam ) and written by Sheena Santamaria (@sheenaes ), “FOREST” (working title) explores the magic of the everyday through the eyes of its smallest inhabitants. We’ve also officially moved into the pre-design phase. Our art leads are fleshing out this magical world of acorns and mushrooms, while our storyboard team begins to bring the characters to life. We’ve got so much more to show you! Read the full May Update and see more concept art on our website. (Link in bio.) Art by Vanessa Nakasone (@vansternler ), Laura Swalley (@lmeii ), Ivory Bi (@marmalade_grey ), and Michelle Wirono (@scribblerabbit ) #AsiansInAnimation #2DAnimation #IndieAnimation

Make your next move this May with AIA! With finals approaching, graduation on the horizon, and the spring job hunt in full swing, Asians in Animation has the resources designed to support you each step of the way. Check out our upcoming AIA community events and opportunities: Storyboard Session: Tuesday, May 12 @ 7 PM PST | Discord Explore original storyboards and scripts in Storyboard Session with host Pine Pham. Portfolio, Art & Work Sessions: Saturday, May 9 @ 5 PM PST | Discord Saturday, May 16 @ 11 AM PST | Discord Join our PAW sessions to work on your portfolio, explore art projects of your interest, and keep your creative goals accounted for. Want to join AIA and give back to the community? OPEN ROLES Communications: Ambassador Manager Assoc. Director of Marketing Membership: Co-Director (NY) Co-Director (India) Regional Assistant (Philippines) Overhead: Video Editor Awards Production Manager Learn more about our open roles at: https://bit.ly/AIAOpenRole (Link in bio) For questions, reach out to: [email protected] Thank you to everyone who worked on this post: • Contributors: Haram Kim and Kevin Zhao • Media Production: Lawrence Folsom, Kaitlyn Chen, Kelly Dizon (@kellydizon1023 ), Shivani Devi Gobalakichenin (@shivlock88 ), Stella Chen • Channel Management: Olivia Hall (@olivia.overthinks ), Raphael Cardenas (@rpac62 ) • Comms Leadership: Anna Folsom (@amcn.folsom ), Elisa Lau (@pinkimoon ) #AsiansInAnimation #AnimAsians #Animation

Thank you to everyone who participated in our AIA En Plein Air Challenge. Over the past 2 weeks, our community came together to explore observation and storytelling through their environments. It’s been incredible to see so many perspectives! We also had the chance to bring this energy into the real world through our NYC meetup. It was amazing to be in a shared space and draw together! Thank you for being part of this experience! ✨ We’re still gathering event photos, and there’s still time to share your work for our upcoming feature. Tag AIA and use #AIAEnPleinAir We’re so grateful to our community for making this experience so meaningful. More to come soon ✨ #AsiansInAnimation #Animeasian #CreativeCommunity

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival! The festival will run April 29 - May 3, both in-person and virtually across select theaters in LA, with a host of amazing: 🎥 Screenings 🎬 Seminars 🎤Panels 🌟Guests 🏆 Awards! Additionally, this year, AIA is the Community Partner for LAAPFF’s Almost Ordinary screening! This animated shorts program unsettles the undercurrents of ordinary life and comes to realize how we ultimately move toward one another, even when the distance feels immeasurable. 🔊 All members, check your email for a code and link for a discount on tickets! Find out more by following LAAPFF on Instagram @vcmediaorg or going to their website 🔗 /festival #LAAPFF #LAAPFF2026

✨ NYC Meetup: AIA En Plein Air Closing Sketch Session ✨ To celebrate the final day of our AIA En Plein Air Challenge, we’re hosting an in-person outdoor drawing session on Saturday, April 18th! Come hang out, sketch together, and enjoy a relaxed morning of observation and storytelling. Whether you’ve been participating or just want to join in, all are welcome! 2 LOCATIONS 🌟 Chinatown (Manhattan) 🌟 Columbus Park – Central Pavilion Time: 9 AM – 12 PM 🌟 Industry City (Brooklyn) 🌟 Location + Time: TBD Sign-up by April 16th (Link in bio): bit.ly/26AIAEnPleinAir #AsiansInAnimation #Animation #AnimAsians #AIAEnPleinAir

REGISTRATION CLOSED 🚫 Thank you for your interest! — Join us for an exclusive tour of Titmouse LA Studio! ✨ Interested in touring Titmouse LA Studio and seeing what goes on behind the scenes? Learn more and fill out our interest form while spots are available! #AsiansInAnimation #AnimAsians #Animation #Titmouse #TitmouseLAStudio #TitmouseAnimation

Join us for our LA Meetup at Kona Loa Coffee Crown Valley (@konaloacoffeecv ) on April 11 at 1 PM PST! ☕✨ Connect with AIA members and have personal conversations with the owners, Jesse Pak & Trilina Mai, as they share their journey into the animation industry as visual development artists. LOCATION: Kona Loa Coffee Crown Valley (27525 Puerta Real Suite 500, Mission Viejo, CA 92691) DATE: 11th April 2026, Saturday TIME: 1 PM - 2:30 PM PST Spots are limited— RSVP Today! https://bit.ly/aialacoffeemeet

Spring forward with AIA events in April! Join us this April on our monthly events. Whether you are seeking feedback for portfolios or looking to meet other creatives in the community, these events and spaces are here to inspire you! Join our group work sessions and meet other AIA members! Explore original storyboards and scripts in Storyboard Session with host Pine Pham, and refine your portfolio or work on other artistic projects of interest in our PAW sessions. Storyboard Session: Tuesday, April 7 @ 7 PM PST | Discord Portfolio, Art & Work Session: Saturday, April 5 @ 5 PM PST | Discord Saturday, April 18 @ 11 AM PST | Discord AIA appreciates industry veterans who give back to the community. Thank you to Roc Chen for their passion and contributions to the animation industry. ✨AIA En Plein Air Community Challenge ✨ April is plein air month! Join us for a two-week virtual creative challenge celebrating storytelling through en plein air! Open to all, this self-paced event invites you to create outdoor observational artwork—traditional or digital. Participants are welcome to include cultural touchpoints to share personal stories, but it’s completely optional. Share your art with #AIAEnPleinAir and tag AIA to participate! Want to join AIA and give back to the community? Open Roles: Communications: • Ambassador Manager • Digital Platforms Coordinator (China) • Assoc. Director of Marketing Membership: • Co-Director (NY) • Co-Director (India) • Regional Assistant (Philippines) • Regional Assistant (China) Overhead: • Video Editor • Awards Production Manager Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities and events coming your way! Learn more and apply for any open roles at: https://bit.ly/AIAOpenRole (Link in bio) Questions? Reach out to: [email protected] Thanks to everyone who worked on this post: • Contributors: Iryl Tan, Kelly Dizon and Kevin Zhou • Media Production: Lawrence Folsom, Kaitlyn Chen, Kelly Dizon (@kellydizon1023 ), Shivani Devi Gobalakichenin (@shivlock88 ), Stella Chen • Channel Management: Olivia Hall (@olivia.overthinks ), Raphael Cardenas (@rpac62 ) • Comms Leadership: Anna Folsom (@amcn.folsom ), Elisa Lau (@pinkimoon )

Meet the jurors for this year’s AIA Impact Awards! Asians in Animation is honored to introduce our jury members across five award categories: EXCELLENCE IN ANIMATION PERFORMANCE ✧ Benson Shum Animator (Walt Disney Animation Studios) and Award-Winning Children's Book Author ✧ Pradipto Sengupta Head of CFX (DreamWorks Animation) – EXCELLENCE IN VISUAL EFFECTS & POST-PRODUCTION ✧ Clara Chan CG Supervisor (Sony Pictures Imageworks) ✧ Mehul Hirani Founder and Director (Studio V Sync LLP) – EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION & TEAM COLLABORATION ✧ Spriha Banik VFX Producer (Framestore) – EXCELLENCE IN CREATIVE VISION ✧ Wendell Dalit Art Director (Sony Pictures Animation) ✧ Sunmin Inn Character Designer (Skydance Animation) and Visdev (Ultraman: Rising) – EXCELLENCE IN AUDIO AND VOICE PERFORMANCE ✧ Stephanie Sheh Voice actor (current voice of Sailor Moon), Voice Director (Jentry Chau vs the Underworld), Casting Director, and ADR Writer ✧ Marc Yu Audio Director and Composer (The Tonight Show, National Geographic, Zootopia, and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser) – The AIA Impact Awards spotlights individuals (entry/mid/senior) and teams in animation whose creative brilliance, bold innovation, and dedication are shaping the future of the industry. Learn more about the AIA Impact Awards and our juror panel at: /aia-awards.html (link also in bio) #AsiansInAnimation #Animation #Awards

We’re thrilled to open casting for our Feature Pre-Production Program TODAY! This is your chance to bring the characters of our next industry-simulation feature to life.🙌 We’re looking for authentic, passionate voices to help us tell this story across the stars. ✨ Swipe through to meet our characters, Vega, Altair, Deneb, and supporting and incidental roles! Head to the link in our bio for more information. We can’t wait to hear your unique perspective on these roles. Submissions close on Sunday, April 5th! Visit bit.ly/aiafeature26 (link in bio) to learn more! #AsiansInAnimation #AIAFeatureFilm #VoiceActing #CastingCall #AnimationCommunity