A spotlight on women in animation

The UNESCO Female Landscape film tour showcased some of the most exciting talent in animation. Starting in Potsdam, Germany, the tour visited four other UNESCO World Heritage Cities of Film before arriving at the Wellington Animation Film Festival. With eight films from across the globe, the program connected female animators and championed their work. For Wellington-based animator Rachel Macindoe Barker, it was not only an honour to be included, but an incredible opportunity. 

Rachel’s film, ‘Chrysalis’, tells the story of a lone archeologist on a distant planet who is determined to preserve a set of ancient ruins. It is about solitude, coping with change, determination, and dedication, all themes appropriate for the film tour. “It started as a student film,” says Rachel. “After university, I worked on it solo for a number of years.” During that time, Rachel was also working full-time at Wētā and lecturing at Victoria University on the side. “I don’t know how I did it. I don’t think I could ever do it again.” The film is a labour of love and dedication, and Rachel’s passion is evident in the final product. 

“There are zero limitations with animation,” says Rachel. “You’re making everything from scratch. I find that very freeing.” ‘Chrysalis’ was made using motion capture and hand-key animation. “I’ve always described it as playing with dolls all day. We have a digital puppet that we can move around and pose for each frame.” 

For Rachel, the UNESCO Female Landscape project offered a cultural exchange and a chance to connect with other female animators. “Occasionally, I’ll be the only woman on a team. You feel it,” says Rachel. As part of the film tour, Rachel sat on a panel with female animators from Poland and Germany. “These are people I’d never have talked to otherwise.” 

The Wellington Animation Film Festival also saw a selection of student films for the first time. Screen Wellington sponsored the newly created Wellington UNESCO City of Film Supreme Award. Open to film students from around Aotearoa, the award is the Wellington Animation Film Festival’s highest honour. It recognised a student’s work that demonstrates outstanding artistic vision, strong storytelling, and technical mastery. Kang Andrew Tian took out the supreme award for his film ‘The Catch’. As part of the award, Kang will travel to France for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA market in June 2026. Similar to the Female Landscape project, the award is designed to provide exposure to the global animation industry.   

Rachel notes just how impressive the emerging talent coming out of Wellington is. The festival has grown around this talent to support and nurture it. “It’s only in its third year, but this year was something quite special.”