International recognition for ESMA’s young talent
It is with great emotion that we announce this exceptional news: Trash, the animated short film directed by Gregory Bouzid, Maxime Crançon, Robin Delaporte, Matteo Durand, Romain Fleischer, Alexis Le Ral, Margaux Lutz and Fanny Vecchie, has just won the BAFTA Student Award 2025, in the animated film category!
Among hundreds of films from all over the world, it was their work that won over the jury of experts from the biggest studios and production houses in the film and animation industry. It’s an international accolade for these young graduates, and a resounding endorsement of the expertise and creativity of ESMA students.
A journey marked by hope, expectation… and indescribable joy!
It all began at the beginning of May, when Trash made it onto the official longlist for the BAFTA Student Awards 2025. This was the first selection from over 1,000 international entries, where the film already stood out alongside three other productions from the school – Cartagène, Dawn and Tricot de Corps – and the video game Dans la peau d’un Polatouche.
Then, on 19 May, the news came through: Trash had become one of the three world finalists in the animated film category, taking a decisive step forward and generating a wave of pride and enthusiasm throughout the school.
A trip to Los Angeles, and stars in your eyes
From 9 to 13 June, all the finalists gathered in Los Angeles for the official ceremony, a moment rich in encounters, exchanges and emotions. It was an opportunity for some of the directors to cross the Atlantic, their hearts full of hope, while another team travelled to the Annecy festival. Finally, the verdict came down, and the filmmakers welcomed the news with palpable emotion: Trash was named winner in its category by the jury of industry experts. An exceptional accolade, both artistically and technically, as well as in human terms!
A victory, and another step towards a promising future for TRASH directors!
Created in 2017, each year the BAFTA Student Awards celebrate the most outstanding creations from schools around the world, in five disciplines (live action, animation, documentary, video game, immersion), as well as a Special Jury Prize. Already honoured to have been selected as one of the finalists, the makers of Trash have gone one step further, winning this prestigious award and entering the world of professional cinema and animation through the front door.
This award marks a turning point not only for the Trash directors, but also for the entire ESMA community, which has once again seen its high standards and teaching methods recognised on an international scale. ESMA warmly congratulates each of the directors, Gregory Bouzid, Maxime Crançon, Robin Delaporte, Matteo Durand, Romain Fleischer, Alexis Le Ral, Margaux Lutz and Fanny Vecchie, on this exceptional victory and wishes them all the best for the rest of their careers. One thing is certain: this is only the beginning!