OCAD University Animation students and alums are gaining recognition for their work in the international experimental and independent animation community.
The three emerging animators are participating in the 2025 Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), widely known as one of the world’s leading animation events.
Student Peter De Souza-Samanek’s Blindfold is a non-narrative experience that explores self-destructive coping mechanisms, grief and the importance of intimacy and safe spaces. The short centres around the delicate healing process of a tattoo on De Souza-Samanek’s leg.
Stride & Shine! is an experimental two-dimensional short, following a container-headed character as she navigates a colourful, vibrant world full of kindness and encouragement, mirroring alum Xinyi (Sidney) Tian’s experiences as an international student at OCAD U. Tian recently received the OCAD U Medal for Experimental Animation at GradEx 110, Toronto’s largest free art and design exhibition.
“I've been attending the OIAF as a visitor for the past five years, so it feels like a dream to attend as a student director,” said Tian. “As an international student who's still new to the Canadian animation industry, being recognized by OIAF gives me the motivation to keep creating and exploring experimental mediums."
Alum Mya Van Dyk’s aptly named short, Monkey Bar, is a lighthearted journey about a banana and a monkey.
The OIAF is one of North America’s largest and oldest animation festivals, providing screenings, workshops and entertainment. Founded in 1975 by the Canadian Film Institute, the annual five-day event brings together artists, producers, students and animation fans from around the world.
"With Liz Adler in competition for Best Canadian Student Animation in 2023 and Sam Wasserman winning the prize in 2024, the Faculty of Art is thrilled that Peter, Sidney and Mya are in competition at the OIAF this year,” said Associate Professor Philippe Blanchard, interim dean of the Faculty of Art. “We're excited that our students' work continues to be recognized on an international stage, a sign that OCAD U’s Experimental Animation program is making waves in the independent animation scene."
