Netflix Canada and the Animation Career Excelerator Society are now accepting entries for the latest round of their annual ACE Canada career accelerator program. 

Heading into its fifth year, the program is open to mid-level Canadian animation professionals who identify as women, non-binary or Two-Spirit. And the goal is to help creatives break into senior roles in the industry by providing them with mentorship and training as they write and produce an original short film. 

“Although more women enter animation programs than men, too many lose sight of their dream to become directors, art directors, writers, creators and more because the opportunities for them have not historically been there,” says Rose-Ann Tisserand, executive director of ACE Canada. “Our goal is simple: Reignite those dreams and empower underrepresented voices to shape the future of Canadian animation.” 

The short films that come out of the program also have a chance to launch on Netflix, which was the case for a YA-skewing short called Ostinato that was developed in year three. It’s about a composer with tinnitus (a ringing in the ear) who learns to incorporate the frustrating sounds she hears into her music. 

“Working on Ostinato has allowed us to broaden the scope of thinking about ourselves and our work,” said writer Sunita Balsara in a release. “Talking about the film and its success on Netflix has helped us create new relationships and given us the confidence to pursue new avenues.”

YA-skewing short film Ostinato launched on Netflix after it went through the ACE program. Images courtesy of Netflix and ACE Canada.

“As women and (for some of us) mothers, the opportunity to be mentored and work within such an incredible team is rare to find and essential for career growth,” added Sonia Furier, Ostinato‘s director. “This program is unique in its collaborative approach and as an opportunity to create authentic films.” 

The family-targeted short film Rocketship Mai made its way through ACE Canada last year. A screening for the film about a six-year-old trying to spend more time with her ailing father has been confirmed to take place at Annecy this year. And another program highlight from year two is Pivot, which earned a 2024 Oscar qualification and racked up more than 1.4 million views on TikTok. 

Applications for the 2026 program will be accepted until February 22, and the shortlisted candidates announced in March. 

Since launching in 2021, ACE has helped 28 creators shift into new roles, and the accelerator has also contributed to the launch of new animation companies in Canada, according to a release from Netflix and ACE. Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada, CreativeBC and Toon Boom Animation are among the partners that support the program.