On Friday (Feb. 21), the 2020 Women in Animation Scholarships were announced at the BRIC Talent and Innovation Summit. The annual award is given to students who possess talent, a passion for animation and demonstrate financial need. The competition is open to student members of WIA in any region of the world. Out of the 83 applicants from 44 schools across the U.S., Canada, Cyprus and the U.K., the committee selected eight student winners, including two students from CalArts: Marion Parajes (Film/Video BFA 23) and Clarisse Chua (Film/Video BFA 20).
Parajes is a character-driven artist and places an emphasis on visual development. They are passionate about telling stories about underrepresented voices and bringing animation to a broader range of audiences. Parajes also received a featured award from Toon Boom, which includes one-year of bundled licenses of Storyboard Pro and Harmony Premium as well as one-on-one remote training. Check out Parajes’ portfolio of visual development and story elements on their website.
Originally from Singapore, Chua’s animations are inspired by both Eastern and Western myths and legends. A recent short film she made during her third year at CalArts, Taku & Mama, played in several film festivals including Represent Film Festival and Panama Animation Festival. The heart-wrenching short is about a young boy, who hides from the world because he is ashamed of his oversized nose.
Watch Taku & Mama by Chua below:
The full list of the 2020 Women in Animation award winners can be viewed here.