Netflix and ACE Canada Society Expand Premiere Partnership with Launch of ACE Five in 2026

In a major boost for Canada’s animation industry, Netflix and the Animation Career Excelerator (ACE Canada) Society have officially announced the continuation of their premiere partnership with the launch of ACE Five, the fifth cohort of the society’s acclaimed career accelerator program.

Designed specifically for mid-level women, non-binary, and Two-Spirit animation professionals across Canada, the ACE Program offers mentorship, advanced creative training, and hands-on production experience. Participants collaborate to write and produce an original animated short film, earning key creative credits that help propel them into senior leadership roles within the industry.

A Program That’s Transforming Canadian Animation

Since its inception in 2018, the ACE Program has grown from a small British Columbia initiative into a nationally recognized talent pipeline. What started with five positions has expanded to nine creative roles across Canada, creating meaningful career impact for dozens of professionals.

To date, ACE has helped 28 creators move directly into new industry positions and supported 19 more in advancing to supervisory roles, totaling 47 career advancements nationwide. The program has also played a role in launching four women-led animation companies and producing multiple award-winning Canadian short films rooted in authentic, personal storytelling.

With Netflix’s continued backing, alongside partners such as Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund, Creative BC, and leading animation technology companies, ACE Canada has strengthened its national presence and built growing confidence within the industry around gender parity in creative leadership.

From Mentorship to Global Screens

A major milestone for the partnership came with ACE Three’s animated short Ostinato, which premiered through Netflix and introduced global audiences to emerging Canadian talent. The film’s success helped open doors for its creators, reinforcing the program’s mission of turning mentorship into real career momentum.

The upcoming ACE Four short Rocketship Mai will continue that tradition. Inspired by writer Nattasha Shrestha’s personal experiences, the film follows six-year-old Mai on a heartfelt race against time to spend precious moments with her ailing father. The project brings together a diverse creative team from British Columbia and Ontario and is scheduled for a special industry screening at the prestigious Annecy animation market in France.

Reigniting Dreams for Underrepresented Creators

ACE Canada Executive Director Rose-Ann Tisserand emphasized the deeper mission behind the program. While women often outnumber men in animation schools, many struggle to reach directing, writing, and leadership roles due to historical barriers.

The ACE Program aims to close that gap by giving underrepresented voices real production experience, mentorship from industry veterans, and the confidence to pursue senior creative positions. By combining training with tangible screen credits, ACE has created a rare bridge between education and long-term career advancement.

A Collaborative Industry Effort

The success of ACE Five is supported by a broad network of sponsors and partners, including Netflix Canada, the National Film Board, Toon Boom Animation, Autodesk’s Technology Impact Program, Atomic Cartoons, WildBrain Studios, and several leading post-production and industry development organizations.

Together, these partners provide not only financial backing but access to professional tools, studio expertise, and networking opportunities that reflect real-world animation workflows.

Applications Now Open for ACE Five

Applications for the ACE Five cohort are officially open and will close on February 22, 2026. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be announced in March, with the selected team beginning their immersive development and production journey shortly afterward.

The fifth cohort will continue ACE’s core model of mentorship-driven filmmaking, allowing participants to develop original intellectual property while building leadership skills that translate directly into industry careers.

Building the Future of Canadian Storytelling

Through its partnership with Netflix, ACE Canada has evolved from a training initiative into a national force shaping the future of Canadian animation. By centering diverse voices and authentic stories, the program is helping redefine who gets to lead creative projects in the industry.

As streaming platforms continue seeking fresh perspectives and original content, initiatives like ACE are proving that investing in mentorship and inclusion produces not only social progress but compelling storytelling audiences want to watch.

With ACE Five now underway, the next generation of Canadian animation leaders is preparing to step into the spotlight, backed by industry giants and driven by stories that reflect the full diversity of the country.

The Netflix and ACE Canada partnership stands as a powerful example of how targeted support, creative opportunity, and real-world experience can transform careers and reshape the animation landscape for years to come.