The LXiA Spark Animation Grant, sponsored by Netflix, is a program that supports emerging and independent Latinx animation filmmakers and artists towards the production of an independent animated short film. The goal of the program is to uplift the presence of Latinx animation filmmakers, drawing attention to their individually unique ideas and perspectives as well as elevating the creativity and talent that the Latinx community at large has to offer to the animation industry. 

LXiA thanks and acknowledges the support and partnership of Netflix. LXiA’s Founder and Co-Director Magdiela Hermida Duhamel remarks, “Netflix’s generous support has helped make this grant possible, and we are honored that they have committed to expanding the grant program for 2023.” 

The 2023 LXiA Spark Animation Grant program will award three (3) visionary animation filmmakers with a grant of $20,000 each. Grant fellows will be paired with a producer/mentor who will produce, guide and offer their expertise throughout the production of the short film. 

Grant fellows will be paired with an industry mentor, including creatives at Netflix, who will offer their advice, experience and guidance through the production of their short film. 

Fellows will also participate in a series of workshops tailored to support them through the various stages of short film production. Completed short films will screen as part of Animation Day at  the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) 2024. 

“We’ve learned a lot of lessons from last year’s grant recipients which has helped us grow this program even more thoughtfully. We can’t wait to see the impact of the Spark Animation Grant among the Latinx animation community,” said Bryan Dimas, LXiA’s Co-Founder and Co-Director. 

Netflix’s support of the LXiA Spark Grant builds on their partnership with the Latino Film Institute and is part of Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, an effort to create more behind-the-camera opportunities for underrepresented communities within the TV and film industries. 

The LXiA Spark Animation Grant will be awarded to individual Latinx filmmakers living and working in the United States. As the purpose of the grant is to help support a singular, complete short film, the grant will not be available to students or for commercial projects (including music videos, TV show pitches, or web series). 

The Spark Animation Grant is open for submissions beginning Wednesday, January 18 and will close on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 11:59 pm PT. For more information, visit this website.