Official Selection

"Lilly’s Curse" follows a troubled young girl who seeks shelter from a dark entity in a secluded wooden cabin deep in the woods. But her search for safety quickly unravels into a nightmare as she begins to experience unsettling paranormal phenomena. Hidden within an old cupboard, she discovers a dusty Punch and Judy stage where two eerie puppets, Louis and Dorothy, mysteriously spring to life. Their sinister, ritualistic dance soon reveals a dark force at play, putting Lilly’s life in grave danger. This film emerged as part of a live demonstration for my students, showcasing a practical method I often use to create short animated works. It was developed in real-time as an educational exercise, designed to mirror the exact brief and creative constraints given to the students. By working within the same limitations both conceptually and technically, I aimed to emphasize the power of resourceful storytelling. Every element of the film was produced using only materials and equipment readily available through the university, reinforcing the idea that compelling animation can be achieved without relying on external or high-end resources. The process not only served as a teaching tool but also as a testament to the creative possibilities that arise when artists embrace constraint.