Animated Sequences (2), S. Olschan

Director: Oscar Guerra 28 min.

Broadcast Date: October 21, 2020

Full Film: STRENGTH: Documenting the Asylum Seeker (Animations at 3:35 & 5:50)

Animations for Documentary Film

PROJECT OVERVIEW

STRENGTH: Documenting the Asylum Seeker is a poignant documentary that traces the arduous journeys of asylum seekers crossing the U.S. border, directed by Oscar Guerra. Broadcast in October 2020, the film sheds light on the experiences and challenges faced by individuals from South and Central America as they seek refuge in the United States. In this project, I animated two motion graphics sequences, bringing to life the complex and often harrowing scenes experienced by asylum seekers. My work involved preparing 2D illustrations for motion in 3D space and animations that aimed to enhance the storytelling, providing a visual representation of the asylum seekers' journeys.

The animated sequences I created were designed to engage viewers, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy for the plight of the documentary’s subjects. By visually depicting their struggles and resilience, the animations contributed to the documentary's overall goal of raising awareness and humanizing the experiences of those seeking asylum. Through this work, STRENGTH: Documenting the Asylum Seeker not only informs but also connects with viewers on an emotional level, encouraging them to reflect on the human stories behind the headlines and statistics.

SCREENINGS

Odd Fellows, Hall/Make it Main Street HMB, Half Moon Bay, CA. September 2, 202.

Seattle Latino Film Festival, Seattle, WA. October 9, 2020.

New York Latino Film Festival, New York, NY.  September 16, 2020.

RELATED PRESS

Documentary traces the journeys of asylum seekers. ABC7 News. (2020, October 19).

CT filmmaker traces the journeys of asylum seekers. Stamford Advocate. Bruenig, J. (2020, October 16).

INTELLECTUAL IMPACT & MERIT

Intellectual Merit

"STRENGTH: Documenting the Asylum Seeker" holds substantial intellectual merit through its comprehensive and empathetic portrayal of asylum seekers from South and Central America. Directed by Oscar Guerra, the documentary employs detailed motion graphics sequences that I animated to illustrate the complex and often perilous journeys of individuals seeking refuge at the U.S. border. The visual storytelling not only enhances the narrative but also deepens viewers' understanding of the geopolitical and humanitarian issues at play. By leveraging animation to depict real-life experiences, the project bridges the gap between documentary filmmaking and visual art, creating a more immersive and impactful viewing experience.

Impact

The impact of "STRENGTH: Documenting the Asylum Seeker" has been significant, reaching diverse audiences through various screenings and media coverage. The film premiered at notable events, including the Seattle Latino Film Festival in October 2020 and the New York Latino Film Festival in September 2020. These festivals provided platforms for the documentary to engage with audiences deeply interested in Latino culture and social justice issues. Additionally, a screening at Odd Fellows Hall/Make it Main Street in Half Moon Bay, CA, in September 2021 further extended the film’s reach.

The documentary also garnered attention through related publications and virtual screenings. Notably, the Bay Area Border Relief hosted a virtual screening in October 2020, which brought the film to a broader online audience. Media coverage from ABC7 Noticias/News and an article by John Breunig in the Stamford Advocate highlighted the film’s relevance and the public's interest in its subject matter. These features underscored the documentary's role in fostering empathy and understanding about the plight of asylum seekers.