November 06, 2026

iACADEMY Animation Students Film, “LOTE Olympics”, has been Selected for the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival Competition

Animated short film LOTE Olympics, created by iACADEMY Animation students Franchesca Mae Almoete, Aleia Moniq Castillo, and John Maverick Diaz under WanderBox Pictures, has been selected for the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival Competition. This marks the film’s second selection under the Lift-Off Global Network, following its earlier inclusion in the Lift-Off First-Time Filmmaker Sessions.

The Lift-Off Sessions, organized by the Lift-Off Global Network, provide filmmakers with opportunities to engage with and learn from the work of their peers, fostering artistic growth and collaboration within the global filmmaking community. Through these sessions, emerging filmmakers can gain valuable insights and perspectives to further develop their craft.

LOTE Olympics is a mix of 2D paperless, 2D cutout, and 3D background animation that follows Kiko, who struggles to play various traditional Filipino games, or Larong Pinoy. His perspective changes when he begins to see these games as video games. With the help of his friends, he trains and gradually improves, eventually viewing their usual play sessions as an Olympic competition that demands the same dedication and perseverance as that of professional athletes. Through this narrative, the animated short film explores overcoming personal challenges while celebrating Filipino culture and traditional games.

For iACADEMY, this achievement reflects the institution’s commitment to nurturing young artists through industry-aligned education, hands-on learning, and access to professional tools and equipment, including Toon Boom Harmony. By equipping students with the technical skills and creative foundation needed to bring their ideas to life, iACADEMY empowers emerging animators to develop stories that resonate with audiences and reach international platforms.

The film’s successive selections in the Lift-Off Global Network further demonstrate the potential of Filipino student filmmakers to share culturally grounded stories with a global audience. As iACADEMY continues to support the next generation of creative professionals, achievements such as LOTE Olympics highlight how student-driven storytelling can bridge local identity and international recognition.

iACADEMY Animation Students Film, “LOTE Olympics”, has been Selected for the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival Competition

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