RAT'S NEST
An animated short film about mental health and self-worth.
Zürcher Hochschule der Künste
Bachelor Project 2020
«Rat’s Nest» is an animated short film about self-worth and self-acceptance. Frustrated with her introversion, the protagonist Mia retreats into her own mind. This is how viewers find themselves in her subconsciousness, visually depicted by a subway station, trying to figure out what is going on inside Mia's head.
awards
Best Emerging Talent Award
B3 Biennial of the Moving Image (2020)
Rising Star Award
Prix Europa (2021)
Shortlist ADC Student of the Year
Art Director's Club Switzerland (2021)
Third Place Ostschweizer Filmwettbewerb
Ostschweizer Filmwettbewerb (2020)
Special Mention Förderpreis Design
Zurich University of the Arts (2020)
my motivation
I have always been a quiet person, rather introverted, and I hated it. I have come a long way since then, learning to accept and appreciate these characteristics I once desperately wished to get rid of. Accepting them helped me to overcome them in a way, making me more confident than I had ever been before. In sharing my experience I am hoping to speak to people who feel the same way as I did. Perspective is key: instead of changing the way you are, try changing the way you view yourself.
collaboration
I collaborated closely with a musical composer, Paul Taro Schmidt, who created a beautiful score that set the right mood for the film. During the final phase of the project, Samuel Müller supported us with his talent for sound mixing.
STORYBOARD
