"Between the Two of Them Stands Me" is an emotional 2D animated short that addresses the difficult emotional burden children face after a family separation. This project was created by a group of students from ARTFX, a school known for its specialization in visual effects (VFX), as part of their 2024 graduating class.
The Story of Nora: A Child Facing Her Parents' Separation
The story follows Nora, a girl forced to adapt to a new reality after her parents' separation. Throughout the story, the emotional burden she carries in her heart is visually represented by the symbolism of a backpack, which grows increasingly heavier as Nora faces the challenge of traversing the different hemispheres of the Earth to be able to reunite with both parents.
The Fantastic Twist: The Division of the Earth
In a fantastic and symbolic twist, the Earth splits into two hemispheres, forcing Nora to embark on an emotional journey to reach her parents. This device adds a unique dimension to the story, reflecting how, to overcome the sadness and uprootedness caused by a separation, one often must make a titanic effort to rebuild broken bonds.
The Creative Process Behind the Short
This project was carried out by a group of talented ARTFX students: Morgane Chauvet, Roxane David, Nour El Achkar, Cindy Fanchonna, Sacha Moreau, Lucie Perales, and Flora Rouvel, who worked tirelessly to bring this deeply emotional story to life. Furthermore, the creative process behind the animation has been documented in a making-of, available for those who wish to learn more about the technical and artistic efforts that made this short film possible.
Themes of Family and Emotional Adaptation
At the heart of "Between the Two of Them Stands Me" lies a powerful message about emotional adaptation and family bonds. The film shows how, even in the most painful moments, love and resilience can help individuals rebuild their lives and find new paths for family connection.
"This short is not just about separation, but about how children face radical changes in their emotional lives and how they learn to carry those feelings while seeking a new balance."