Five short films created by students have just been added to the catalog of Disney+, bringing the work of emerging artists to one of the world’s most influential streaming platforms.
At first glance, nothing in these films suggests they were produced within an academic setting. The rendering quality, character animation, lighting, compositing, and overall storytelling reflect professional studio standards. Yet each of these projects was completed within a single academic year as part of ESMA’s 3D Animation and Visual Effects program.
That contrast is what makes the news particularly striking.
Studio-Level Quality Within an Academic Framework
The five shorts, Swing to the Moon, Coquille, Je suis un caillou, La source des montagnes, and Œil pour Œil, were developed as graduation films. Produced by teams of students working under structured production conditions, they demonstrate a level of technical execution and artistic coherence that rivals independent professional productions.
From expressive character animation to cohesive art direction and high-end rendering, the films blur the line between student work and industry output. Their presence on Disney+ extends their reach beyond festivals and school screenings, placing them directly in front of an international audience.
The fact that these films were conceived, produced, and finalized within one year underlines the intensity and organization of the training model behind them.
The School Behind the Films
Based in France, ESMA has established itself as a significant player in 3D animation and visual effects education. The school is currently ranked 4th worldwide in the Top Creative Schools: 3D Animation category by The Rookies, a reference ranking within the digital arts field.
Its alumni now contribute to major international productions, and one of its recent graduation films was a finalist at the 2026 Annie Awards, one of the industry’s most respected distinctions.
The 3D Animation and Visual Effects program is delivered in French, and also in English on several of the school’s campuses, welcoming students from different international backgrounds.
With five of its student films now available on Disney+, ESMA adds another milestone to its trajectory, highlighting the level of production that can emerge from an academic environment in just one year.
