Academic powerhouses USC, UCLA and CalArts, along with Women In Animation (WIA), have partnered to create Breaking the Glass Frame: Women and Animation, Past, Present, Future; a symposium designed to empower women and LGBTQ+ people by spotlighting female contributions to the field of animation and exploring solutions to sexual harassment, bias and lack of diversity that challenge working women within the industry and academia. “We are so pleased to partner with these amazing academic institutions in such a meaningful way. We believe strongly in the next generation of artists and filmmakers and are honored to join in presenting this inspiring slate of speakers,” said Marge Dean, President of Women in Animation. The symposium is set to take place from October 5th – 7th at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.

“With all the media coverage of women’s issues right now, it’s easy to presume that change is on the way. It will take a total shift in the culture, after sustained effort, to see any lasting effects. This event brings focus to important issues and provides a sense of solidarity among women at all levels: executives, established artists, and students eager to join the animation world,” said Maureen Furniss, Director of the CalArts Experimental Animation Program. Fellow organizer, Lisa Mann, Associate Professor of Practice of Cinematic Arts at USC, concurs. “This is the first collaborative event between three of the world’s most prestigious animation programs: USC’s John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts, the UCLA School of Theater Film and Television’s Animation Workshop, and CalArts’ Character and Experimental Animation Programs. We hope this gathering of incredible women will inspire the next generation to break through the glass frame.”

The symposium will feature keynote talks by Academy Award winner, Brenda Chapman (Brave, The Prince of Egypt) and Executive Vice President and Creative Director at Sesame Workshop, Brown Johnson. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues and friends as we celebrate women’s trailblazing achievements in animation at this first-of-its-kind gathering,” said Johnson. “Reflecting the diversity of the world around us has been a priority throughout Sesame Workshop’s nearly 55-year history; today, we’re coming together across the industry to model the power of inclusivity for future generations.”

Panels with leaders and artists are a key component to the symposium: “NextGen World View, ” presented by Women in Animation; “Breaking Through the Boys’ Club, Strategies for Positive Change in the Industry” featuring producer Jane Hartwell (The Croods); “Advocating for Diversity + Inclusion in Animation: Race, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation + Age,” moderated by Jinko Gotoh, WIA Vice President; and “An Invisible History – Trailblazing Women of Animation,” moderated by author and historian, Mindy Johnson and featuring two pioneering animators, Enid Denbo Wizig and Jane Shattuck-Takamoto-Baer. “We’re at a pivotal point in our industry for women. The content and experience of this vital symposium provides a fresh threshold to re-frame a new and balanced future for women’s voices within animation,” said Johnson.

Rounding out the 3-day program are a series of networking mixers, presentations of academic papers, and screenings of short films including the new documentary, “The Women of Titmouse Animation: The Inbetweens of Education, Employment & Everyday Life,” directed by Chrissy Guest. For the full schedule of events, please check for updates on the BTGF website. A final list of speakers and sponsors will be announced closer to the event date.