Key Takeaways
- Two VFS Classical Animation alumni, Luke MacBain and Reem ElShaer, have launched Wild Animation Festival – a bold new event celebrating innovation in animation across BC.
- The BC animation festival brings together global talent through screenings, workshops, VR experiences, and networking, offering a fresh, immersive platform for animators and animation lovers alike.
- Vancouver Film School is proud to see its graduates leading meaningful change in the industry and shaping the future of animation in British Columbia and beyond.
Vancouver Film School is proud to share that two of our talented alumni – Luke MacBain & Reem ElShaer –brought an incredible, brand-new animation experience to British Columbia this past May. Wild Animation Festival was a 2-day event (May 24 in Vancouver and May 31 in Princeton) that celebrated animation and creativity through screenings, workshops, networking, and awards. While both Luke and Reem are graduates of VFS’s Classical Animation program, Reem got her start in VFS’s Foundation Visual Art & Design program.
As Co-Directors, Luke and Reem aim to create a truly unique animation experience. “We wanted to rethink what animation could do – not just on screen, but in the world” comments Luke. “We didn’t want another industry mixer or a glossy highlight reel. We wanted to design a platform where emerging voices, experimental tech, and global imagination could collide.”
It’s clear that Luke and Reem have accomplished this and more!
Vancouver Film School Animation alumni Luke MacBain & Reem ElShaer are the creative team behind Wild Animation Festival.BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF WILD ANIMATION’S INAUGURAL FESTIVAL
The perfect event for animators and animation-lovers alike, the festival delivered on its promise of an abundance of entertainment across 2D animation, 3D animation, virtual reality, and stop-motion. It served as a global gathering to unite innovative animators worldwide, as a creative hub for the celebration of animation, and gathered industry leaders to share their expertise.
Attendees partook in live Q&A sessions with artists and animators, workshops with industry experts on portfolio development, character design, & directing animation, and had access to a digitally hosted VR Gallery, networking opportunities with animators & studios, and of course multiple screenings – with $10,000 of prizes to top it all off!
GET TO KNOW LUKE AND REEM
A seasoned creative with expertise in both traditional and new media, Luke works in the realms in-between, mixing Unreal Engine, drone photography and VR/AR immersive storytelling. He’s led digital innovation projects across Canada, built VR campaigns for BC towns, illustrated children’s books, and taught next-gen creators at Vancouver Film School, McGill, and UBC.
Reem is a respected 2D animation supervisor and educator. With deep experience across production pipelines and an eye for quality control, her teaching and production roles have positioned her as a leader in nurturing Canada’s next wave of animation talent.
HOW THESE ALUMNI BROUGHT WILD ANIMATION FESTIVAL TO LIFE
Luke describes Wild Animation Festival as his and Reem’s “answer to a rapidly shifting creative landscape. It features 2D, 3D, Stop Motion and new technology and advancements, alongside immersive experiences like VR, nature-inspired screenings, and hands-on workshops.”
He continues: “From the beginning, we knew we wanted innovation not just as a theme, but as a design principle. We’ve used advanced technology and welcomed our friends who are setting the standards in the animation industry to run workshops. We’re hosting a gallery in the metaverse.”
“If animation and motion graphics are the frontier of storytelling, this festival is where you grab a compass. And that’s exactly what this festival is: a frontier. A meeting point for nature, tech, and art to dance together in ways we haven’t seen before. From concept to launch, Wild Animation Festival is a love letter to creators who dream a little weirder and build a little bolder. And are fired up to let creativity run wild.”
Wild Animation Festival is a celebration of animation – where emerging voices, experimental tech, and global imagination collide.VFS RESPONDS TO THIS ALUMNI SUCCESS
Creating and bringing to life such a meaningful festival is an incredible accomplishment, and certainly no easy feat. Vancouver Film School is so honoured to see Luke and Reem making this impact within the animation industry at such a high level.
“We’re incredibly proud to see our alumni leading the charge in shaping the future of animation in British Columbia.” Comments Colin Giles, Head of VFS’s School of Animation. “What Luke and Reem have accomplished with Wild Animation Festival is not only a testament to their creative vision, but a powerful example of how VFS graduates are driving innovation, building community, and making a lasting impact in the industry.”
HOW TO BECOME AN ANIMATOR
Just like Luke and Reem, you can train to become a powerful animator at Vancouver Film School in just 1 short year. Our School of Animation offers three programs: 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Animation Concept Art, and Classical Animation – Luke and Reem’s program! You’ll learn from our acclaimed industry faculty, craft a powerful career portfolio, and forge a network of industry connections that will last your career. Apply today to get started and speak with our Admissions team.
Read about other success stories from VFS’s Animation programs, including alumni credits on the latest season of Black Mirror, A Minecraft Movie, and on AAA hit South of Midnight.
FAQ
1. What is Wild Animation Festival?
An animation networking event in Vancouver, the 2-day festival was founded by VFS alumni Luke MacBain and Reem ElShaer. It celebrates animation across mediums like 2D, 3D, VR, and stop-motion, featuring workshops, screenings, and networking events. The festival is open to animation professionals, students, and enthusiasts who want to explore cutting-edge storytelling, connect with global creatives, and celebrate innovation in animation.
2. When and where is Wild Animation Festival taking place? What can attendees expect?
The festival ran May 24 in Vancouver and May 31 in Princeton, British Columbia. Attendees enjoyed live Q&A sessions, hands-on workshops on portfolio development and character design, access to a digitally hosted VR gallery, opportunities to network with animators and studios, and screenings with $10,000 in prizes awarded.
3. How does VFS support animation careers?
VFS offers intensive 1-year programs in Classical Animation, 3D Animation & Visual Effects, and Animation Concept Art that launch careers in the booming animation industry, helping students build industry-ready portfolios and strong professional networks.
4. How can I apply to VFS’s animation programs?
Visit vfs.edu to learn more about VFS’s animation programs and speak directly with the Admissions team.