The Refugee

The Refuge follows a woman who enters a lush garden, seeking solace from a chaotic world. Dressed in heels and fur, she drops her glass, fur coat, and shoes, becoming enchanted by the fantastic plants around her. As she nurtures this space, she creates her personal paradise, a sanctuary that brings beauty and safety. However, her peaceful refuge is soon threatened by strange intruders, forcing her to defend her garden. In the struggle, she transforms into the Wolf Woman, embracing her wild side as she fights back. Amidst the chaos, she discovers that she has become a stranger in her own paradise, grappling with the blurred lines between protector and intruder. With apocalyptic forces looming and the strangers revealing their own fears, she must confront what it means to belong in a world where even her safe space feels uncertain. The Refuge explores themes of connection to nature, personal fragility, and the complexities of identity through a female perspective.

Director’s statement
During the pandemic, I found myself creating a garden that felt safe and calm in a world filled with uncertainty. As I painted freely, without a plan, characters like Wolf Woman and strange, lush plants appeared on the page. These figures came to life on their own and inspired the story for this four-minute film, blending surreal visuals with a journey of transformation.

As an animator and visual artist, I want to use this debut film to tell stories in new ways through my images and characters. This film explores the delicate balance of nature, the mystery of strangers, and the resilience we find when our safe spaces are threatened. At its heart, it’s a reflection on our personal 'Garden of Eden' and how it changes in a chaotic world. Told through a female perspective, I hope this story speaks to the shared experience of seeking peace and safety in uncertain times, bringing a unique voice to animation and film.