Mother's Child

I was head of colour for Naomi Noir's critically acclaimed Mother's Child (2024). Noir's graduation film was shown at Kaboom Animation Festival, Netherlands Film Festival and Berlinale Shorts.

Loving mother and full-time carer, every day is a battle for Mary. Wading through the bureaucratic mess that comes with caregiving has her isolated, unsupported and sleep deprived. Simultaneously, she struggles to fully understand her disabled, non-verbal son Murphy’s needs. After being dealt another blow by an obtuse administrator, reality begins to blur. Finding the beauty in the everyday has never been more challenging. A surreal animation to pay tribute to society’s true heroes, giving a voice to those who dedicate their lives to others.

For this film I experimented with colors and textures to bring a softness to the surreal, harsh world Mary lives in.