A visually rich animated short inspired by Eastern folklore and fantastical creatures, created to explore original storytelling through cinematic direction, handcrafted design and expressive animation.
Challenge
The Forest of Eels began as a personal creative project – a chance for the Flow team to create an original story, experiment with a new art style and animation techniques, and to create a film with no client brief, driven purely by craft and imagination. The ambition was to tell an atmospheric, and visually striking story inspired by folklore, nature and magic, while developing a distinctive artistic voice that could push the studio's creative boundaries.
Solution
Starting with a cast of weird and wonderful characters – based on the Flow team, we developed an original narrative that blends myth, adventure and cinematic art direction into a richly atmospheric short film. Combining 2D and 3D animation with a striking graphic art style, we created a handcrafted visual world where every frame was designed to evoke mystery, danger and a sense of place. The project was an opportunity to experiment with new techniques, create our own visual language and produce a film where story, design and animation were inseparable.
Result
Three years in the making, The Forest of Eels became a true labour of love and a showcase of the studio's creative ambition. The film has screened at international festivals and demonstrates the power of self-initiated work to explore new ideas, develop original storytelling and push the craft of animation forward. It stands as a deeply personal project that reflects my belief that the most memorable films begin with curiosity, imagination and a commitment to telling stories that stay with people.
