You Are My Light

The short animated film You Are My Light is an authentic testimony about becoming a new parent. It tells the story of a major life change, which is the birth of a child. The main character is thrown into the unknown world of motherhood where she is subjected to gruelling tediousness, oppressive isolation and endless fatigue. Postnatal depression comes into her life along with the newborn. Will she be able to find the light that eventually shows every mother the way out?

Director’s statement
This film is my personal testimony. After my daughter was born, I suffered from postpartum depression. It took me almost a year to fight it and gradually return to normal life. By working on the film, I found a way to cope with my personal experience. The project is being made during my maternity leave so I am simultaneously taking care of two small children. My goal is to make a film that speaks convincingly about postpartum depression. I want to tell the story of what I experienced at the beginning of motherhood. There are some lighter moments in the film. I don't want them, however, to set the mood of the film. On the contrary, even in humorous situations, the audience should get a little chill. In animated films, the theme of motherhood and pregnancy is often portrayed with exaggeration and humour full of clichés. My goal is to offer a powerful and honest confession of what it is really like.