themes
When I was ten, I lost my mom to cancer and it threw me into the darkest time of my life. Art became my lifeline, helping me face the monsters of grief. I found comfort in a pillow she made, "Almuadi," a small, tangible connection to her that kept me close to her even after she was gone.
This animated film is a deeply personal reflection of that experience. It captures the darkness and loneliness that grief brings, along with the repressed and conflicting emotions that come with it. The monsters represent overwhelming, unbearable feelings, while the light symbolizes the instinct to run away. As the story unfolds, so does the grief. Facing your own darkness, your own demons, transforms you, leading to healing. The monsters were never the real threat; they were manifestations of the emotions that had to be faced in order to break free from the grip of grief. Claudia’s journey mirrors my own — finding the courage to face her fears, to process painful emotions, and to allow others into her vulnerable space.
I hope this animated short resonates with anyone who has lost a parent or loved one and felt they had to navigate the lonely, monsters of grief on their own.