I'm here : an animated short film on bullying, depression and suicide

Abstract

The Creative Project I’m Here is a four-minute animated short film that explores the effects of bullying and the part it plays in depression and suicide. My film is a computer generated animated short that utilizes both 3D computer animation methods as well as experimental techniques, in order to tell the story of thirteen-year old Jenna Holloway’s most severe instances of bullying and the effects that those experiences have played on her psyche. The unceasing bullying forces Jenna to feel isolated and alone, which exacerbates her depressed state and eventually leaves Jenna with a black-eye contemplating suicide. The day ends with Jenna writing a suicide note and ingesting a bottle of prescription pills. When a nudge from her dog triggers memories of their unconditional love with one another, Jenna quickly calls her mom for help. Jenna loses consciousness while her dog Maizey responds by barking into the phone and alerting Jenna’s mother of the dangerous situation. The film ends with Jenna confidently walking into school accompanied by her dog (now an emotional support animal), signifying the immense power of the bonds of friendship and love.