Faculty of Art

Experimental Animation

Iola Lane

Blooming

A short film about a lonely axolotl and their journey to make friends as they grow into themself.

“Blooming is a single channel, 2D animation about loneliness and resilience in the face of it. The film follows a lonely axolotl as they navigate interpersonal relationships and overcome trials and tribulations. The title, Blooming, reflects the main setting of the film, the axolotl’s prized flower garden, and the character development that the axolotl experiences over the film as they come into their own. This film was my attempt to express the loneliness that I have felt in my own life, and my experience in finding friendship and connections through my personal interests. The film employs a cute, cartoony aesthetic, with simplified character designs and a vibrant color palette. While cartoons are often typically associated with works aimed towards children, I wanted to depict an adult character struggling with something that I have observed me and my peers working through. I hope that this film can acknowledge that this is an adult issue, and that strong, genuine connections can be made by being one’s authentic self.Thank you to my professors Veronica, Wrik, Gustavo, and Michael for all the help and feedback throughout the process!”