The short films Orchid Square, Where Love Lied and Cursed join the programme of one of the world’s most renowned events in the fields of animation, visual effects and digital technologies.
SIGGRAPH, a global benchmark for animation and visual effects
For more than fifty years, SIGGRAPH has been a must-attend event for professionals in animation, special effects, video games and digital imaging. Organised in the United States, this international event brings together the biggest studios, artists, researchers and schools in the sector every year. Being selected for SIGGRAPH is a major recognition of the artistic, narrative and technical quality of a film. For young graduates, this selection is a real international showcase and an exceptional opportunity to showcase their work to the major players in the industry.
This year, three ESMA productions are part of this programme of excellence, confirming once again the expertise and artistic standards of the school’s students.
ORCHID SQUARE
Directed by BENACER-GAUD Inès, CHERNICHENKO Tania, GIRAUD Léa, HATTENBERGER Eléonore, LANDAIS Sacha, MAINETTI Andrew, METIVIER Maeva, PADMANABAN Abishek and WONG Huey.
In this short film, the viewer follows Jane to Hong Kong on the night of the Hungry Ghost festival.
While enjoying the evening with her friends, she spots her six-year-old sister in the crowd and sets off on a frantic race through the city’s busy streets, bringing her face to face with the demons of her past.
WHERE LOVE LIED
Directed by Chalmet Giselle, Guinet-Elmi Evan, Hatef Sizi, Saksham Saksham, Leriche Olivia, Maestracci, Việt Hà Nguyễn and Marcel Vanderweyen.
WHERE LOVE LIED tells the story of Don Sorrentino who, after his wife’s murder, organises a dinner party with his right-hand man Alberto and Alberto’s wife Mirabella.
But the evening is turned upside down when the Don’s son, Angelo, shoots his father dead before setting off to track down the couple.
CURSED
Directed by Marion Boitelle, Leïla Bouguerch, Myriam Brandao Serseri, Ashe Daniel, Margaux Deculty, Andrea Mamessier Degrange, Nicolas Paoli, Alisson Pigerol and Marie Seve.
In CURSED, a fairy mother discovers the prophecy foretelling the death of her daughter and decides to flee to an isolated island, ready to do anything to try and ward off fate.
International recognition for ESMA talent
This triple selection at SIGGRAPH 2026 illustrates the talent, commitment and creativity of ESMA’s students. It also testifies to the school’s position as one of the leading international training institutions in the field of 3D animation and special effects.
ESMA extends its warmest congratulations to the teams behind the three films on this remarkable achievement, and wishes them every success at the 2026 SIGGRAPH in Los Angeles.