Call for submissions extended until February 19, 2024, at 11:59 PM PT.

The LXiA Spark Animation Fellowship, presented by the Latino Film Institute and sponsored by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, is a program that supports emerging and independent Latinx animation filmmakers and artists towards the production of animated short films. The program highlights the creativity and unique voices of the selected fellows and offers them a platform to become key players in the industry.

This year the program will award three visionary artists a grant of $25,000 each. The Fellows will be paired with a producer, and receive mentorship from industry professionals. The completed films will screen at the 2025 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), where Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in the festival's various programs to further develop their skills and develop connections.

Eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.
• Applicants must live and be allowed to work in the U.S.
• Applicants must identify as Latinx/o/a/e.
• The proposed project must be for an independent animated short film (2D, CG, Stop-Motion, Hybrid). No commercial projects will be accepted, including music videos, pilots, commissioned works, performances, installations and feature films.
• The applicant cannot be enrolled in an academic institution at the moment the application is submitted, and the project cannot be considered a student project, thesis, etc.
• Applicants must have completed at least one short film with film festival recognition, but not yet have completed a feature film. Additionally, applicants can qualify by demonstrating experience as an artist, editor, or writer with at least one credit in an animated series or feature film.
• The applicant must demonstrate a clear vision for the project.
• The submitted project must be the original work of the submitter created solely for the purpose of this fellowship.
• If selected, the filmmakers need to agree to incorporate notes and make changes at different stages of the process, as guided by LXiA/LFI.
• The proposed project must be completed by April 30, 2025.
• The application must be submitted in English, although the final film can be in a different language.
• The applicant must submit a complete application following the link below. Emailed applications will not be considered.