About 24 hours Animation Contest for Students

The Caffeine-Fueled Humans Behind the Madness

Our Team

Ever wondered who’s crazy enough to organize a global 24-hour animation marathon? Meet the beautiful maniacs who make this chaos possible!

Founder & Host

Aubry Mintz

The Original Animation Insomniac

In 2002, animation professor Aubry Mintz gave his students a challenge after class. Under pressure, they shone like diamonds, delivering some of the best work he had ever seen. That sparked a question: What if students had to create an entire animated film in just 24 hours? From that spark, the 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students was born—a grassroots idea that has since grown into a global phenomenon.

Fun Fact: I took 21 years to make my own short film and created this contest so students could make theirs much much faster.

Coffee Order: I gave it up for Green Tea

Contest Administrator & Product Designer

Lucia Santiago

The One Getting things DONE

Lucia Santiago is an administrator, product designer, and website moderator for 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students. She participated in the 24 HOURS contest as a student for two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013 and worked as a freelance 2D animator on indie short film productions. Initially brought on in 2021 only to help with the administrative aspects of the contest, she immediately spearheaded efforts to create merchandise, and a website for the contest that same year. Finally after operating solely from a Facebook Groups account for 21 years, a webpage for the contest was launched in 2023, and now a standalone website this year!
Collection Addiction: Books. Pretty cover/art, interesting topic? I can’t help myself.

Secret Talent: Reading multiple books at once. I eventually finish them all!

Community Wrangler & Social Media Maestro

Sara Martin

The Voice of the Contest

Sara Martin is a Post Coordinator and Editor with experience in series, commercials, and feature animation productions, including Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken, Disney’s Duffy & Friends Shorts, Sony Pictures Animation’s Across the Spider-Verse, KPOP Demon Hunters, FIXED, and more!

Sara works at Sony Pictures Animation as a Post Coordinator and Social Media Specialist for ASIFA-Hollywood and the 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students.

Claim to Fame: I worked on KPOP Demon Hunters and have seen it over 100+ times!

Favorite Hashtag: #24HOURScontest (obviously)

Sleep Schedule: What’s sleep?

Research Sleuth & Contest Strategist

Sarah Rico

The One Who Knows What You’re Thinking (Because She Read the Survey)

When registration questions pile up, when contestant data needs decoding, when the clock is ticking and the spreadsheet is 47 tabs deep—Sarah is the calm in the chaos. Armed with an animation background and an expertise in high-impact education, she keeps the contest running smoother than a perfectly in-betweened frame.
Superpower: Turning a mountain of messy data into crystal-clear insights.

Most Common Crisis: A sudden flood of last-minute questions from contestants.

Emergency Snack: Dark chocolate and iced coffee.

Digital Production Assistant

Alexander Rostran

The Moderator, Photographer, and Digital Specialist

Alex is there to lend a hand, no matter the task. That includes livestreaming, content moderation in the Discord server, or photographing events. Alex also assists with ASIFA-Hollywood and the Annie Awards when things get busy on the Social Media end. Alex is a B.A. in Animation graduate and freelances as a storyboard artist.
Coffee Order: None, I live by White Monster Energy Drink. (Actually, a Banana Horchata Latte)

Pets: I got four cats! Leia, Rey, Coco, and Momo – and a pug named Yoda

Favorite Bands: Joy Division, New Order, NEU!, Depeche Mode, and TV Girl

Why We Do This Insane Thing

The Real Talk: Running a global animation contest with thousands of participants and zero budget is certifiably nuts. We do it anyway because:

We believe in crazy, creative challenges that push students beyond their comfort zones

We love seeing impossible things become possible when talented people work together under pressure

We're addicted to the energy of thousands of students creating simultaneously worldwide

We can't help ourselves – someone has to organize this beautiful chaos!

Volunteer Opportunities

Want to join our beautiful chaos? We’re always looking for:

  • Social Media Helpers during the contest weekend
  • Community moderators for our Facebook group
  • Technical support volunteers
  • Translation assistance for international teams
  • General enthusiasm distributors

Interested? To sign up as a social media volunteer sign up with the google form linked below:

Social Media Volunteer Sign Up

For all other volunteer inqueries email us at: admin@24hourscontest.com

Support the Contest

This crazy thing runs on generosity:

  • Sponsor partnerships for prizes and financial assistance
  • Individual donations to keep the lights on
  • Spreading the word to more schools and students
Make a Donation

Call for Panelists

Do you want to be a 24 HOURS Panelist?

We are looking for past winners and top ranking teams to feature at future 24 HOURS Animation Contest panels at events such as LIGHTBOX EXPO & more!

If you are interested please fill out our google form linked below:

24 HOURS Panelist Sign Up