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THE SAM KOJI HALE PUPPET FILM SCHOLARSHIP AWARD 2026
Description and Overview
The Sam Koji Hale Puppet Film Scholarship Award is an opportunity designed to support and recognize the talents and creative endeavors of aspiring filmmakers in the fields of stop-motion animation and puppetry. Inspired by the artistry and innovation of Sam Koji Hale, this scholarship nurtures emerging visual storytellers who bring characters to life through handcrafted techniques, practical effects, and the magic of puppet-driven filmmaking.
Geared toward up-and-coming filmmakers and artists (ages 16+) with an interest in pursuing stop-motion animation or puppet-driven filmmaking, this scholarship is designed to empower those who have an idea for their own film. (Not intended for working or experienced professionals.) Applications will be reviewed by Sam Koji Hale, who will assess each entry based on imagination, technical skill, creativity, storytelling ability, and potential for growth in the field of puppet and stop-motion filmmaking.
We look forward to receiving your submission and learning about your artistic journey. The Sam Koji Hale Puppet Film Scholarship Award is an opportunity to support your passion and help you bring your stories to life. We encourage all eligible artists to apply and wish you the best of luck in your application!
2026 Applications
PATRONS
Full Scholarship Awards
Partial with Distinction Scholarship Awards
Partial with Distinction Scholarship Awards
- 5-10 Personal one-on-one Zoom Critiques.
- The number of one-on-one sessions is subject to change based on Pro's schedule.
- Study program over the course of 5 months
- Cash Award
- Multiple resources in a Treasure Chest of supplies TBA
- Complimentary 4-day Premiere ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- 5-10 Personal one-on-one Zoom Critiques.
- The number of one-on-one sessions is subject to change based on Pro's schedule.
- Study program over the course of 5 months
- Cash Award
- Multiple resources in a Treasure Chest of supplies TBA
- Complimentary 4-day Premiere ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Award subject to change. More awards may be added.
Partial with Distinction Scholarship Awards
Partial with Distinction Scholarship Awards
Partial with Distinction Scholarship Awards
- 3-4 virtual group meetings
- Multiple resources in a Treasure Chest of supplies TBA
- Complimentary 4-day Basic ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Award subject to change. More awards may be added.
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- One virtual group meeting
- Multiple resources in a Treasure Chest of supplies TBA
- Complimentary 4-day Basic ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Award subject to change. More awards may be added.
Honorable Mentions
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- Complimentary 1-day Walk Around ticket to CTNX25
- More Awards Announced TBA
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award subject to change. More awards may be added.
Aleksandra Mingof
Partial with Distinction Scholarship Awardee 2025
"It gave me courage to start dreaming big again. After graduating from university, I thought I lost my creative spark - and this scholarship brought it back to me with some new self-discoveries as a nice bonus." ~ Alexandra Mingof, Stop-motion Animator and Artist
MEET YOUR MENTOR SAM KOJI HALE
Sam Koji Hale is an Emmy-nominated animator, filmmaker and art director. Sam was a film director and production designer for the indie short “Yamasong” (2010) and sequel feature film “Yamasong: March of the Hollows” (2017). He also produced over 30 puppet short films for Heather Henson’s Handmade Puppet Dreams series. His most recent work can be seen on Nickelodeon’s “Big Nate” where he art directed CG, 2D, mixed media, puppetry and stop-motion animation.
Sam’s work have been featured at UCLA’s Center for Ethno-Communications, the Museum of Moving Images in New York City, the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, and the Smithsonian Museum of Asian Art in Washington DC.
