Felix Cheng

Doll Searching, MA Character Animation

A three-and-a-half-minute animated film that tells the story of a boy going into a toy store and trying to find the perfect thing to play with, which in the end is a doll.

This film was inspired by my own experience as a boy wanting to buy a toy doll when I visited the shops. While making the film, I reflected on how I felt at that time and how I acted when trying to sneak a look at the doll aisle. I remember the anxiety I felt when people were watching me, but also the excitement when I finally got my hands on the dolls. There was a rush of awe as I looked at them, completely enthralled and lost in my own world.

Thinking about my childhood also made me reflect on the media that shaped me as an animator. Works like Steven Universe, Keroro Gunso (Sgt Frog) and Studio Ghibli especially drew me into worlds of fantasy. Hand-drawn using TVPaint and Photoshop, I aimed to capture that magical feeling, especially in one particular section of the film.

This film is about empathy, breaking social stereotypes and the importance of representation. Everyone has had moments where they liked something but were judged for it. Finding people who support you and don’t judge your interests is what truly matters.

The film is a thank-you to my mum and dad, especially my mum, who went to the store with me to buy my very first doll.

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