Royal College of Art, 2020
Plastified: An Ode is an experimental short film made in CG and 2D animation.
A deep-sea dive through an oceanic trench shows places we haven’t yet been. A landscape is digitally eternalized by plastic - the material which both toxifies and artificially preserves it.
Drawing inspiration from research on biology and ecological philosophy, it was developed from a conceptual framework rather than a traditional storyboard, with animation created straight ahead. The ecological relationships within the film were mapped in collaboration with marine biologist Ines Guedes, depicting a food chain of real and imagined creatures, where plastic toxin accumulation ultimately leads to extinction.
The soundtrack, composed in collaboration with sound artist Barney Kass, follows a similarly experimental approach. A foley layer adds realism, materiality, and depth, while the general BPM aligns with the most common wave rhythms and oceanic timings. An additional atmospheric musical layer underscores the film’s emotional narrative.
Textual responses:
The film expresses feelings of eco anxiety and offers a space to grieve what’s being lost before it’s found.
To me the oceans dance to the tune of chlorophyll: A textual response to the film by Dr. Brenda Parker
A short essay in response to the film written by Dr. Brenda Parker, a biochemical engineer who is interested in the use of biology to manufacture new materials. She is particularly interested in how we can harness photosynthetic systems such as microalgae for biotechnology.
Credits:
Scientific Consultancy: Inês Ferreira Guedes
Sound Design: Barney Kass
Additional Animation and Assets: Felix Weyss
Shows / Press:
Royal College of Art Online Show 2020
Festivals/Exhibitions
‘Aurorae’ Exhibition by CapitArt, at Art’otel London, Hoxton, 2025
Finalist: International Student Animated Film Animafantasia Festival 2020
Shortlisted: Euroshorts Young Filmmakers
Shortlisted: International Underwater Film Festival Belgrade