Twenty-four hours. One surprise theme. Zero room for hesitation.

ADMI animation students recently went head-to-head with thousands of animation students from around the world in the 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students, an intense global creative challenge that pushes teams to conceptualise, animate, and deliver a complete 30-second animated film in just one day.

The contest, known as one of the most demanding student animation challenges worldwide, brings together teams of five students who must work from scratch — brainstorming, scripting, designing, animating, and submitting their films within a strict 24-hour window. No pre-made assets. No prior preparation. Just raw creativity, collaboration, and endurance under pressure.

For ADMI students, the experience was a true test of creative stamina and teamwork. Competing alongside top animation schools from across the globe, the teams navigated tight deadlines, creative problem-solving, and the realities of production pressure — mirroring the demands of real-world animation pipelines.

The challenge is more than a competition. It is widely recognised as a powerful learning experience that builds resilience, sharpens decision-making, and strengthens collaboration skills. Teams work across a wide range of animation techniques, including 2D, computer-generated animation, stop motion, and mixed media, producing films that reflect both technical skill and storytelling depth.

Industry professionals review and score every submission, offering students the rare opportunity to have their work assessed by experienced voices from the global animation community. Over the years, the contest has become a launchpad for many emerging creatives, with past participants going on to build professional careers, establish studios, and gain international recognition.

ADMI’s participation in the 24 HOURS Animation Contest reflects the institute’s commitment to immersive, industry-aligned learning experiences that challenge students beyond the classroom. By stepping into high-pressure, global creative environments, students gain the confidence and practical insight needed to thrive in professional animation and creative industries.

As the contest wrapped up, one thing was clear: ADMI students showed up with determination, creativity, and a willingness to push their limits — proving that local talent can confidently compete on the global stage.

For aspiring animators inspired by the challenge, the message is simple: sharpen your skills, trust your team, and be ready — because in animation, sometimes all it takes is 24 hours to discover what you’re truly capable of.