Faculty of Art

Experimental Animation

Raahim Tariq

Nanoo Knows Best

My thesis film, called "Nanoo Knows Best," is a two-minute animated short blending 2D and stop-motion animation to tell a personal and absurd story about love, memory, and mangoes in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Inspired by my real-life relationship with my Pakistani grandmother—affectionately called Nanoo—the film captures a whimsical and surreal moment between a grandson and his fearless elder as they go on a supply run in a crumbling world.The premise is simple: they find a mango guarded by zombies. But instead of panicking, Nanoo breaks into song, charming the undead to sleep. This lighthearted and bizarre moment reflects my grandmother’s real-life unpredictability, humor, and the way her stories blur the line between fact and fiction.Visually, the piece merges minimal, flat-style 2D animation with textured stop-motion zombies. This contrast emphasizes the surreal split between reality and imagination, while nodding to the handcrafted warmth of traditional animation. The character of Nanoo is voiced by my actual grandmother, making this piece not only a creative homage but also a deeply personal one.With cultural specificity, humor, and affection, Nanoo Knows Best is a playful take on familial bonds, South Asian storytelling, and the power of elders.

“Zombies roam, the world crumbles—but one boy and his grandmother face the absurd with heart, humor, and defiant imagination.”