How can you discover quality films for children?
Why are graduation films original?
Animation and film schools are an essential source of information for discover original films.
Regularly visiting the websites of film and animation schools, audiovisual production companies, as well as following the news of children's film festivals, offers the opportunity to discover new short films suited to young audiences.
Many graduation films are fantastic! Making a graduation film is a special time for a young director, because students often have about a year to write the script, create the characters and settings, and make a short film, alone or as a team, free of commercial constraints.
The direction and visual worlds of these graduation films are often very original and can hold their own against a big-budget production.
© Animation schools.
Personally, we really like the films from the La Poudrière school, in our opinion the most original, often made in 2D animation; they create highly poetic worlds. MOME Animation in Hungary and Tokyo University of the Arts too.
Graduation film, a special moment
We also have a particular affection for School-Studio SHAR in Russia whose films immerse us in very moving worlds.
For parents and prospective students looking for solid training at a quality animation school, visit the RECA association website, which lists 25 French animation schools.
Arranged in alphabetical order.
Bristol School of Animation has a national and international reputation for the quality of its teaching.
The Big Top © Bristol School of Animation
A bit of courage, Mr. Snail!
1 min 00 s
The California Institute of the Arts, founded in 1961 by Walt Disney. Alumni include Brad Bird, Tim Burton, John Lasseter, Henry Selick, Michel Ocelot.
Animation division of the Baden-Württemberg Film Academy, founded in 1991 in Ludwigsburg.
Rollin' Safari © Institute of Animation
On the savanna, zebras drink peacefully — until an unwelcome intruder disrupts the calm.
36 s
Division of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Concordia University, founded in 1976 in Montréal.
Grandma's Hero © The Animation Workshop
Lulu has just graduated from the Hero Academy and finally has a chance to prove he is a real hero.
7 min 17 s
Rain and Fish © Tokyo University of the Arts
On a rainy day, a little boy waits for the bus and lets his imagination wander.
4 min 47 s
Lunette © Uhanimation
The hero of this magical journey is a wolf. But what is he carrying with him?
3 min 32 s
There are many quality schools and our selection is not exhaustive, but here is a list of animation schools that we regularly consult in order to discover new short films suited to children's ages.
Arranged in alphabetical order.
Founded in 1984, the Department of Arts and Image Technologies at Paris 8 University offers artistic and technical training in computer-generated imagery.
Le vilain petit carré © Arts et Technologies de l’Image
In an angular world of squares, something isn't quite right.
6 min
Founded in 1937 in Lyon, specialising in design and entertainment professions.
Founded in 1989, this higher school of applied arts produces quality films — 2D and 3D short films.
Founded in 1984 in Paris, with 5 campuses: Paris, Bordeaux, Aix-en-Provence, Nantes and Lille.
Piok © ECV
The meeting of a hen and a strange creature almost certainly from another planet.
3 min 34 s
Founded in 1984. Alumni include Benoit Chieux and Rébecca Dautremer.
Sur les rails © École Emile Cohl
On a train, an old man recalls his past and regrets what he has done.
3 min 46 s
Founded in 1999, its pedagogy focuses on learning fundamentals through observing the living world.
Founded in 2017, a non-profit association of general interest.
Champion © École des Nouvelles Images
A breath-holding contest.
1 min 05 s
Founded in 1985, basing its training on the fundamentals of drawing.
Toolun © École Pivaut
A strange creature.
3 min 54 s
Founded in 1999, the School of Animation Cinema Crafts focuses on both digital and traditional tools.
250 years of history, the National School of Decorative Arts. Experimental films using multiple techniques: stop-motion, cut-out, pixilation, 2D and digital 3D.
Founded in 1993, with campuses in Montpellier, Toulouse, Nantes, Lyon and Montréal.
Founded in 1963 in Paris. In 2009, the film Oktapodi was nominated for an Oscar. Alumni include Eric Bergeron and Pierre Coffin (Despicable Me, Minions).
International private school founded in Paris in 2001. Montréal campus since 2012.
Founded in 1999 by Jacques-Rémy Girerd, director and founder of the Folimage studio. Alumni include Benjamin Renner (Ernest & Celestine) and Rémi Chayé (Long Way North).
Graphic design and animation school based in Le Soler (Perpignan) and Barcelona.
Founded in 1986, present in 5 cities: Paris, Rennes, Nantes, Strasbourg and Bordeaux.
Founded in 2004 in the Plaine Images of Tourcoing (formerly PÔLE 3D), covering all professions in video games and animation cinema.
Migrants © Piktura
Two polar bears, forced into exile by the melting ice, encounter brown bears; will they succeed in living together?
8 min 20 s
Founded in 1996. Studio Mercier, a member of the "Films pour enfants" association, introduces primary-school children to animation professions. Contact us!
Max veut faire du ski © Studio Mercier
Adaptation of 'Max Skis', a short film by Max Linder.
2 min 19 s
Founded in 1988, opened a school in Pune (India) in 2008.
Riba © Rubika
A cat dreams of becoming a pianist until the day he meets a mysterious friend who will take him on a magical journey.
6 min 12 s
