ACE Canada and Netflix Canada announced the fifth cohort of participants for the ACE Program, an immersive Career Excel-erator training program aimed at mid to high-level animation professionals who identify as women, non-binary and Two-Spirit.
The program brings animation studios and professionals together to build a stronger, more vibrant industry while creating greater opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized genders to thrive and lead. In doing so, it supports the development of Canadian intellectual property and authentic Canadian storytelling, helping strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in animation. Of the past four cohorts, 29 participants are now working in senior roles in the animation industry, while ACE Canada short films have screened at animation festivals around the world.
Over the next year, ACE 5’s selected candidates will work together to create an animated short film to earn an essential ‘key credit’ for their role, with provided mentorship and guidance in the process, as well as participate in a series of soft skills workshops to learn industry best practices that will prepare them to move into senior and management roles.
Chosen from more than 150 applicants nationwide, the nine finalists were selected by a jury of industry and creative professionals. Of these, British Columbia is strongly represented with five Vancouver-based participants. Read on to learn more about them:
Top Left to right: Goun Lee, Alice Manieri, MeekaStuart, Sara Mota, Helen Lysenko Bottom Left to Right: Sujin Kim, Jade Laflamme, Sarah Fricker, Chihiro Nagamatsu.
Alice Manieri, Director
Internationally awarded filmmaker and story artist with 9+ years’ experience shaping narratives, storyboards, and visual content. Her credits include Leah Nelson’s TANGLES, which premiered at Cannes in 2026, and Netflix shows like “The Dragon Prince”.
Sujin Kim, Art Director
A visual development artist and visual storyteller for feature films, with credits including ADDAMS FAMILY 2, NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE, and PAW PATROL 2: THE MIGHTY MOVIE. Currently, a visual development artist for Sony Pictures Animation’s next sequel to THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES.
Sara Mota, Head of Story
A Story Artist with 10 years of experience and credits including THE BAD GUYS 2, UNICORN ACADEMY, Netflix’s “Lego One Piece”, and Nickelodeon’s “Big Nate”.
Helen Lysenko, Production Manager
A TV and film producer originally from Ukraine transitioning into the world of animation. Her credits include the Disney series “Lego Pixar: BrickToons” and “Spidey and His Amazing Friends” (Seasons 3, 4, 5, 6).
Sarah Fricker, Editor
Animation editor with credits on Disney’s “Spidey and his Amazing Friends” and multiple LEGO Disney shorts such as “LEGO Disney Princess” and “LEGO Frozen: Operation Puffins”.
Learn more about the ACE Program on their website.
