iACADEMY Animation Students Selected for Prestigious 55th Sehsüchte International Student Film Festival in Germany
iACADEMY recently bagged an international recognition as students from its Animation Program secured an Official Selection at the 55th Sehsüchte International Student Film Festival, one of the world’s longest-running and most respected student film festivals, held annually in Potsdam-Babelsberg, Germany.
The selected entry, One Year Anniversary, was created by Dead Horse Productions and will screen under the Future Kids section on April 25, 2026, during the festival’s run from April 22 to 26, 2026.
Directed by Animation students Jam Lising and Rev Bate, with animators Faith Amaro and Frances Bobis, and background artist Charlize Luspo of iACADEMY’s School of Design and the Arts, in collaboration with background artist AnChan Espenilla. The animated short explores a young boy’s struggle to focus on his homework as his lively Filipino family gathers to commemorate the first death anniversary of his father.
“The students previously created a short film for their final project in one of their animation subjects. They realized the story doesn't end there and created another short film connecting two films within one world. Seeing this level of creativity, dedication and skill in animation makes me proud and excited for what they can achieve next.” said Monique Fandagani, Program Coordinator of Animation, iACADEMY’s School of Design and the Arts.
Prior to its selection in Germany, One Year Anniversary earned several recognitions at the Ground Glass Film Festival 2026, including Achievement in Art Direction, Achievement in Sound, and the Special Jury Prize, underscoring the team’s artistic and technical excellence.
Sehsüchte, with over six decades of tradition, serves as a global platform for student filmmakers and emerging creatives. This participation proves that Filipinos in the field of animation can excel and demonstrate their strength in the discipline. It also highlights the ability of iACADEMY students to produce work that resonates beyond national borders and to share their stories on the international stage.
The selected entry, One Year Anniversary, was created by Dead Horse Productions and will screen under the Future Kids section on April 25, 2026, during the festival’s run from April 22 to 26, 2026.
Directed by Animation students Jam Lising and Rev Bate, with animators Faith Amaro and Frances Bobis, and background artist Charlize Luspo of iACADEMY’s School of Design and the Arts, in collaboration with background artist AnChan Espenilla. The animated short explores a young boy’s struggle to focus on his homework as his lively Filipino family gathers to commemorate the first death anniversary of his father.
“The students previously created a short film for their final project in one of their animation subjects. They realized the story doesn't end there and created another short film connecting two films within one world. Seeing this level of creativity, dedication and skill in animation makes me proud and excited for what they can achieve next.” said Monique Fandagani, Program Coordinator of Animation, iACADEMY’s School of Design and the Arts.
Prior to its selection in Germany, One Year Anniversary earned several recognitions at the Ground Glass Film Festival 2026, including Achievement in Art Direction, Achievement in Sound, and the Special Jury Prize, underscoring the team’s artistic and technical excellence.
Sehsüchte, with over six decades of tradition, serves as a global platform for student filmmakers and emerging creatives. This participation proves that Filipinos in the field of animation can excel and demonstrate their strength in the discipline. It also highlights the ability of iACADEMY students to produce work that resonates beyond national borders and to share their stories on the international stage.