Ottawa International Animation Festival trip exemplifies only-at-Interlochen excellence
Thanks to the support of generous donors, students were able to attend film screenings, see presentations by top animation programs, and mingle with industry professionals at the world’s second-largest animation festival.
Director of Animation Briana Yarhouse (foreground) takes a selfie with students in Ottawa, Canada.
In September, nine Interlochen Arts Academy students traveled to Ottawa, Canada for the Ottawa International Animation Festival.
The fall trip marked the second consecutive year that Arts Academy students have attended the world’s second-largest animation festival. Director of Animation Briana Yarhouse was inspired to institute the annual trip due to the festival’s proximity to Interlochen and the myriad opportunities it offers.
“This trip is literally life changing,” Yarhouse says. “Our students’ eyes are opened up to all sorts of new ideas and animations. They see their fellow animators and they engage with professionals.”
Yarhouse journeyed to Ottawa early to attend The Animation Conference (TAC)—a conference where producers, studio heads, creatives, and executives pitch new shows—and talk with industry leaders about the Interlochen animation program. Students arrived two days later with Instructor of Animation London Parker and School Counselor/Social Worker Megan Emmendorfer.
During their three days at the festival, students attended screenings of both short and feature-length films—including Sultana’s Dream and the Academy Award-winning Latvian adventure film Flow—watched presentations from animation schools, and participated in a selfie-based scavenger hunt set by Yarhouse.
Junior Romie H. was able to connect with representatives from top animation programs during the event.
"I was able to get into a wonderful animation school because of this trip,” Romie says. “This would not have happened without the Ottawa trip, and I am immensely grateful.”
Senior Oliver H. agreed that attending the festival was transformational.
"My Ottawa experience was amazing,” Oliver says. “I’ve never felt such a deep connection with strangers. We were all there for the same thing; we all shared the same passion. I felt like a real animator, a real artist. That is why I will never forget my first film festival.”
The trip concluded on Sunday evening with a dinner with eight legendary animators—including Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Gary Schwartz, Oscar Award-qualifying filmmaker and art director Thomas Renoldner, and Sesame Street animator and ASIFA President Deanna Morse.
"It was a pleasure to converse with such articulate, confident, and engaged young people—and they were only in high school,” Morse said. “I foresee some future leaders in this group!”
The Ottawa festival is one of the many exceptional tours and educational trips available to students at Interlochen Arts Academy. Each year, hundreds of Academy students have the chance to learn and to share their passion and expand their knowledge beyond Interlochen’s campus—all thanks to the gifts of our generous donors.
As Interlochen approaches its centennial, opportunities like the Ottawa trip exemplify the excellence that Interlochen seeks to bring to every student’s experience. With the support of our donors, Interlochen is continually increasing the excellence of our programs—allowing more students to enjoy such transformational experiences.
Want to learn how you can support student tours and other “Only at Interlochen” initiatives? Contact the Philanthropy team at philanthropy@interlochen.org or 231.276.7623.
