What's the idea?
"The Wearer of Many Hats" is a short film idea I've had for a while. It is inspired by personal and external observations of relationships within families, and how family dynamics work uniquely for every household. After all, every family works differently right?
With this short film, I plan to explore the deep topic of family dynamics through the unique traits and roles of 6 comically eccentric characters and the interactions between them as they live under the same roof.
(And as someone that has a deep appreciation and passion for the art of stop motion, I decided that this was the medium I wanted to pursue for the film!)
What's the story?
The film is about a girl that becomes a "wearer of many hats" within her family. Essentially, she struggles with juggling between the many roles she takes on for her loved ones. What began as an attempt to help out her family slowly and gradually becomes a heavy burden, and soon enough she finds herself unable to carry any more responsibilities and duties — not even her own.
The setting of the film would take place on the set of a single home, with a tiny living room that can accentuate the interactions between the 6 characters.
Throughout this metaphorical representation, I hope to illustrate the complexities and difficulties some people may experience with family, and how maybe, just maybe, with enough love and patience for one another, these can be overcome!
Impact ❤️
Navigating familial relationships is hard. Because family looks so different for everyone, often times it's a lonely and very individual journey. Ultimately, I would love to be able to bring an emotional connection to the audience. For whatever unique or interesting family dynamic they may have or may be struggling with, I wish this film can give them a sense of comfort or feeling of being seen!
Personal Growth 😊
As for my personal growth, this would be my first official short film using stop motion, so it would be an incredible chance to really dive head first into film-making + animating! (I'm a firm believer in hands-on experience over theory 😆) I also think while exploring how to go about shooting the different elements of the story, I'll be learning and reflecting a lot about my own family.
I've always wanted to pursue stop motion on my own, but have always struggled financially. Because this is such a niche form of art, it's been extremely difficult to find the right resources. Receiving the imagination fund would mean that I am able to find a space (a dark studio) in which I can pursue this niche art, as well as afford the necessary equipment (camera, lights, rigs) needed to shoot a film! If given the opportunity, this fund would enable me to take a huge step towards my dream :)