Stop-motion animation made with plasticine has a new standard-bearer: Kiri and Lou Go Raaa!, a New Zealand film that unveiled its trailer ahead of the Annecy festival. The film follows two friends exploring emotions through music and games, blending analog craftsmanship with children's storytelling. The footage shows carefully molded characters, fluid movements, and a colorful world that invites reflection.
Plasticine, one frame at a time: the technical process 🎬
The production required rigorous stop-motion work, where each frame captures a slight change in the plasticine figures. Animators used internal armatures to maintain character consistency during long takes. Lighting was adjusted to avoid harsh shadows and highlight the material's textures. Sound was later synchronized with original songs, composed to accompany each scene of play or emotional conflict. The result is a visual style that prioritizes tactile imperfection over digital polish.
When your plasticine friend understands you better than your therapist 🧠
Watching two plasticine creatures singing about sadness or joy might sound like a low-cost child psychology session. But hey, if Kiri and Lou manage to help a child understand their emotions without anyone yelling, they've already won. Plus, the trailer suggests the games range from hide-and-seek to existential debates. All while the animators' fingers sweat to keep an arm from melting under the spotlights. Therapy has never been so sticky.