Pete Docter Joins as Judge for the 24 Hours Animation Contest for Students

Published on January 08, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Pete Docter reviewing student animations during the 24 Hours Animation Contest, with screens showing shorts in progress and a countdown clock in the background.

Pete Docter Inspires the New Generation of Animators in 24-Hour Contest

Pixar's creative director, Pete Docter, joins the 24 Hours Animation Contest for Students, an international event that challenges animation students to create a short film in just one day 🎬. The contest will kick off on October 3rd and bring together participants from universities and schools around the world. Docter, winner of several Oscars and responsible for films like Inside Out, Soul, and Up, will be one of the standout judges for the 2025 edition, bringing his vision and experience to inspire new generations. A direct bridge between emerging talent and industry elite 💡.

A Creativity Challenge Against the Clock: 24 Hours to Shine

During 24 uninterrupted hours, teams of up to five students must produce a 30-second animated short, from script and design to animation and final editing ⏳. The contest tests not only technical skills—mastery of software like Blender, Maya, or After Effects—but also creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure. The theme is revealed at the start, forcing participants to come up with original concepts and execute them precisely in an impossible timeframe. Because in animation, as in life, pressure creates diamonds.

Teams of up to five students must produce a 30-second animated short in 24 hours, from script to final editing.

Pete Docter's Role: Mentorship from Pixar's Summit

Docter will not only judge the shorts but also participate in feedback and networking sessions with the students 🏆. His involvement—from Oscar winner to creative leader at Pixar—offers participants a rare opportunity to learn from someone who has defined narrative and visual standards in modern animation. His focus on emotionally resonant stories and technical innovation will serve as a benchmark for evaluating the works, emphasizing that technology must serve the narrative, not the other way around.

A Platform for Global Emerging Talent

The 24 Hours Animation Contest for Students, founded by Professor Aubry Mintz, has become a benchmark in academic animation 🌍. It offers students the chance to showcase their talent to a jury made up of professionals from studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, Disney, and ILM. Winners not only receive recognition but also access to internship, mentorship, and job opportunities—a crucial leap in an industry where the portfolio is everything. Because sometimes, a 30-second short can open doors to 30 studios.

Educational and Professional Impact of the Contest

Beyond the prize, the contest teaches invaluable lessons:

Skills that define successful careers in animation and VFX.

The Irony of Pixar's Lamp

With only 24 hours to animate, more than one student will wish for Pixar's lamp to light up all night without blinking... though Luxo Jr. would probably need extra coffee to endure the marathon too 😅.