The hand-drawn 2D film, which explores a dark journey into a woman's mind amidst her self-neglect during a mundane daily task, will make its world premiere on January 16.
, an animated short by filmmaker Jessica Rizk, will make its World Premiere at the Dances With Films: New York film festival that runs January 13-18, 2026.Rizk directed and animated the five-minute short, which examines the plight of many people, of all ages, today trying to survive in big cities - despite the population density, life is often lonesome and alienating.
Accompanied by an original score and sound design by Soren Anderson, the film portrays a dark journey into a woman's mind in the midst of a mundane daily task.The film explores how the protagonist's self-neglect manifests as flickering lights, invasive roaches, and accumulated grime, which become increasingly difficult to ignore and ultimately push her to her breaking point.Enjoy the trailer - there is a set of images to enjoy below as well: According to Rizk, “The visual inspiration for emerged from Picasso’s Blue Period.
I wanted to use the technology to explore a modern character drawn in a similar melancholic palette to Picasso’s and elaborate on the psyche she may inhabit to warrant such a gloomy backdrop.” Rizk spent two years of continuous work completing the 2D film that required 7,000 hand-drawn frames.It was a labor of love that she shared with Anderson, her husband and frequent collaborator.A Lebanese-American director, writer, and multi-disciplinary artist based in New York City, Rizk completed a three-year animation program in 2024 at the Rhode Island School of Design and is currently working on a feature-length script for animation.
Anderson is a pianist and composer.He studied Economics at Harvard College.will screen as part of the Midnight Shorts Block 1, Friday, January 16th @ 9:15PM, at the Regal Union Square, 850 Broadway, New York, NY 10003.
For Tickets: https://danceswithfilms.com/cracked-short-film/
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
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