For the first time ever, Ringling College Computer Animation grads swept this year’s Top 5 Animation Educators Forum Student Films. Viktor Niksdorf, Karthik Swaminathan, Max Bellomio, Liza Makarenko, and the team of Ari Chen and Jane Yuan, all from the class of 2025, will each receive a complimentary one-year membership to ASIFA-Hollywood and free submission to the student category for this year’s Annie Awards.
“Every one of these films has its own voice. From the style, to the subject matter, to the tone, no two Ringling Computer Animation projects are the same,” said Computer Animation Department Head Paul Downs. “Our students are telling stories that matter to them, and by the time they graduate, they’re not just ready for the industry, they’re passionate filmmakers with something to say.”
ASIFA-Hollywood is a prominent professional organization dedicated to promoting the Art of Animation and the largest chapter of the international organization ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation). Current initiatives include the Animation Archive, Animation Aid Foundation, Animation Educators’ Forum (AEF), film preservation, open source support, special events, screenings, and the annual Annie Awards.
Animation Educators Forum 2025 Top 5 Student Films
Dogs of Bishkek
Director: Viktor Niksdorf
Holy Cow
Director: Karthik Swaminathan
Beetle Summer
Directors: Ari Chen & Jane Yuan
Jurassic Ward
Director: Max Bellomio
Beautify
Director: Liza Makarenko
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