“In Shapes (In Shapes)” a short film about the difficulties of self-esteem

October 30, 2020

Award-winning British animation studio Blue Zoo has made a moving new short film that explores the difficulties of self-esteem and self-love, In Shapes (In the forms). Created and directed by main animator Zoé Risser, the video was created as part of the studio's annual opportunity, which gives all staff members from all departments the opportunity to direct a short feature film.

In Shapes (In the forms) is a mixed media animation (vertical for smartiphone), which explores the insecurities of a girl in the pool. Although initially excited about wearing her new swimsuit, she finds herself comparing her image to the girls around her. Finds defects in all areas of his body; reality is portrayed in 3D, with reflections of itself appearing in hand-drawn 2D.

It is only when our doubtful subject sees a confident woman striding towards the water like a tiger that self-love begins to manifest in the form of a cub. Her self-confidence is in its infancy, but it is still there.

The film especially reveals the love and acceptance we have for ourselves before society makes us believe otherwise. The girl initially doesn't pay attention to her size, or the amount of hair on her legs, or anything else that might make her insecure, until the other girls in the pool start laughing at her.

The process of creating a short film at Blue Zoo Animation Studio is a democratic one, encouraging people from all departments and backgrounds to submit their idea which, if chosen, they can direct themselves. The production of In Shapes (In the forms) it started when the studio proposed a vote on this project. Risser's idea touched the studio not only for the timely argument, but also for the authenticity of the story. It is emotional, it captures the hearts of the viewers, but it is also recognizable: it captures the daily struggles we have with our inner selves.

Risser, who hails from France, is a lead animator at Blue Zoo Animation Studio. In Shapes (In the forms) is his directorial debut.

“This idea was born from personal experience. I remember becoming aware and anxious about how my body changed and looked during puberty when some guys teased the hair on my ankles, ”the director said. "I made this film in hopes of empowering anyone who can feel the same way."

The film premiered online Thursday as part of Blue Zoo Animation Studio's 20th anniversary celebrations.