Tune in and hang out with some of the funniest filmmakers in animation.
Hosted by Amy Ashton from WIA UK, this conversation brings together three of the filmmakers behind the hilarious, surprising and deliciously weird shorts in the Come and Play programme.
Najja Akinwole
Najja Akinwole is a multi award-winning animator and middle grade illustrator from Baltimore, MD who loves crafting anything fantastical and a little weird. She received her BFA in Animation, with a minor in Illustration, from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). She is currently a Lead Media Instructor at the arts nonprofit, Wide Angle Youth Media, where she fosters her love of creating and storytelling through her students. She was recently nominated by her organization for the 2026 Next Generation of After School Leaders for her artistic excellence and instructional innovation. When she isn’t creating, Najja spends her time writing her novel, volunteering at the Maryland Book Bank, and reading her latest romantasy obsessions.
Sarah Schmidt
Sarah Schmidt is an animator and curator based in Chicago, Illinois. Since 2016, she has hosted indie animation showcase/fanzine "Malt Adult", highlighting over 250 artists pushing the medium. She works with clients like Adult Swim and Bath & Body Works under the studio name "Sunshine Mall" with partner Ian Ballantyne. She is currently finishing her MFA at DePaul University.
Together they’ll talk about embracing your weirdness and finding creative freedom and play through animation.
Add this event to your Google Calendar so you don't miss it!
Tune in and hang out with some of the funniest filmmakers in animation.
Hosted by Amy Ashton from WIA UK, this conversation brings together three of the filmmakers behind the hilarious, surprising and deliciously weird shorts in the Come and Play programme.
Najja Akinwole
Najja Akinwole is a multi award-winning animator and middle grade illustrator from Baltimore, MD who loves crafting anything fantastical and a little weird. She received her BFA in Animation, with a minor in Illustration, from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). She is currently a Lead Media Instructor at the arts nonprofit, Wide Angle Youth Media, where she fosters her love of creating and storytelling through her students. She was recently nominated by her organization for the 2026 Next Generation of After School Leaders for her artistic excellence and instructional innovation. When she isn’t creating, Najja spends her time writing her novel, volunteering at the Maryland Book Bank, and reading her latest romantasy obsessions.
Sarah Schmidt
Sarah Schmidt is an animator and curator based in Chicago, Illinois. Since 2016, she has hosted indie animation showcase/fanzine "Malt Adult", highlighting over 250 artists pushing the medium. She works with clients like Adult Swim and Bath & Body Works under the studio name "Sunshine Mall" with partner Ian Ballantyne. She is currently finishing her MFA at DePaul University.
Together they’ll talk about embracing your weirdness and finding creative freedom and play through animation.
Add this event to your Google Calendar so you don't miss it!
