IG: @mothkrow_

mkashiwabara.myportfolio.com

LIMBO

LIMBO is a mixed-media animated short film that uses surreal horror elements to explore themes of identity, anxiety and working culture. The film reflects upon the intersection of mental health and capitalism, and how we can navigate these systems while staying connected to ourselves.

The concept of LIMBO originated from personal experiences, my interest in surreal Internet culture, and hybrid animated projects like the Spider-Verse movies and Arcane. The film’s combination of hand-drawn 2D and stop-motion animation is directly inspired by these sources. In order to accomplish this distinct style, I developed a highly experimental production process that engaged with my passion for mixed-media art and design while also challenging my skills as an animator.

Animation has long been regarded as a single genre and a source of pure entertainment, despite the fact that this has never been true. Through the production of LIMBO, I work to dispel this misconception and emphasize the medium’s potential to tell visually compelling and socially relevant stories. I believe that art is more important than ever in our contemporary world, and through my film I hope to communicate that to my audience and remind them of its power to inspire and bring us together.

Bio

Mia Kashiwabara is a character designer, animator and creative writer, with a focus in preproduction design for 2D animation, illustration and comics. She has worked on a variety of projects, from self-published zines to award-winning short films, and enjoys exploring the potential of different mediums in her artistic practice. Through her work, Mia exercises her skills as a visual storyteller to build fantastical narratives and examine the ways in which these fictional worlds can reflect our own. In her professional career, Mia aims to work in preproduction for film and TV animation projects that educate and inspire others.