Sunken is an intimate animated short that deconstructs fragments of memory to evoke the emotional weight of living with an eating disorder. Rather than offering a linear narrative, the project invites viewers into a shared space of contemplation, where observation of visual detail becomes a gateway into pain, psychological distress, and vulnerability.
Sunken blends a variety of animation techniques to mirror the fragmentation and tension of the subject matter. Frame-by-frame rotoscoping and digital puppetry are used to construct immersive, emotionally charged spaces. Stop-motion sequences are interwoven to create slower, more meditative scenes, while digital animation introduces jarring, erratic movements that reflect inner anxiety and turmoil.
Much of the public discourse around eating disorders reduces them to issues of vanity or media influence that erase the deeper emotional and relational dimensions that shape compulsive behaviours. This oversimplification not only stigmatizes but also discourages empathy and access to care. Through Sunken, I aim to contribute to a more nuanced conversation that fosters compassion and promotes a shift in how we collectively understand and respond to eating disorders.
