A leading competition for young filmmakers
Organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Student Academy Awards recognise the best films made by students from around the world each year in the categories of fiction, documentary, animation and digital media. A true showcase for emerging talent, the competition is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in student filmmaking and has helped to launch the careers of many talents who are now recognised within the industry.
Making it into the top 15 of this competition is therefore a particularly significant milestone for a student production and demonstrates its ability to stand out on the international stage.
A lively adventure set against a backdrop of dreams of faraway places and disillusionment
COWS tells the story of Moo Moo, a cow who has grown tired of her daily routine and decides to leave her farm to join a new one on the other side of the road. Convinced she will find a happier life there, she gradually realises that this new life is far from what she expected.
Through this animated fable, the film explores, with sensitivity and humour, the themes of the desire for change, the illusions we harbour about other places, and the clash between dreams and reality.
A project led by nine young filmmakers
The film is the result of a collaborative effort by Nicolás Acevedo Ferraté, Valentin Brachet, Maxence Corriette, Tanguy Delepine, Eireen Failly, Jonathan Lally, Elio Molinaro, Yulia Nikitina and Alexandre Verspuce.
By combining their artistic visions and technical skills, the nine directors have created an ambitious short film, characterised by meticulous storytelling and a distinctive artistic vision.
Well-deserved recognition for the Class of 2025
Being shortlisted among the fifteen semi-finalists for the Student Academy Awards is a particularly significant honour, given the high standards of the competition. This selection recognises the quality of the production, the mastery of the animation and the dedication shown by the team throughout the project.
ESMA extends its warmest congratulations to the filmmakers behind COWS on this wonderful achievement, which is the result of several months of hard work, creativity and collaboration. The whole school now wishes them every success in the competition and hopes to see the film progress all the way to the Student Academy Awards final.