Eight Canadian animation teams have been named semifinalists for Pitch THIS! 2026, the pitching competition of The Animation Conference, which runs during the Ottawa International Animation Festival's 50th anniversary edition set for September 23-27 in Ottawa. “It's exciting to platform original animation IP from Canadian creators during OIAF's 50th anniversary,” said Sarah Lamoureux, Pitch THIS! is a rare opportunity for Canadian creators to showcase new animated projects and connect with industry decision-makers. The pair also has a film in OIAF's new Platform Animation category, the TED-Ed short Can Saunas Make You Live Longer?