Between Lines
Director: Sarah Beth Morgan
WINNER: Audience Award
Cast:Jennifer Pague
Crew:Writers: Nirrimi Firebrace, Sarah Beth Morgan. Producer: Rebekah Hamilton. Animation Director: Taylor Yontz; Design: Nuria Boj, Caroline Choi, Sarah Beth Morgan, Sarah Ariel Wong; Animation: Margaret Bialis, Erin Bradley, Amy Charlick, Esther Cheung, Rocío Cogno, Julie Craft, Antoinie Eugene, Thea Glad, Amanda Godreau, Michelle Grepo, Sami Healy, Yahira Hernandez, Jasper Hilgers, Yino Huan, HyoBin Kang, Collin Leix, Katherine Pryor, Rachel Reid, Issey Roquet, Anna Taberko, Aly Tain, Camille Vincent, Pip Williamson, Khylin Woodrow, Rachel Yonda, Taylor Yontz; Original Score: Jennifer Pague; Sound Design: Jennifer Pague; Mix: Hope Brush; Strings Producer: Sophie Coran; Violin: Shelby Yamin; Cello: Nicole Boguslaw; Strings Recording: Treacle Mine Recording; Production Assistance: Hornet Animation
Email:rebekah@rebekahhamilton.work
Synopsis
Out of trauma, blooms a sense of healing and connection. "Between Lines" is a short film that speaks to the scarring experience of schoolgirl bullying - and the recovery that follows. The narrative follows a young woman’s journey as she navigates isolation, exclusion and anxiety.
Along with a supremely talented all-women team, Director Sarah Beth Morgan brings her personal story to life through poetry, detailed illustration and stunning animation.
Trailer
About the director
Sarah Beth Morgan is an animation director and illustrator based in Cleveland, OH. Her work is a mix of textural musings, graphic explorations, whimsical characters, and a firm yet fluid ability to weave it all together with conceptual storytelling.
At the forefront of her work is a reverence for narrative-first storytelling and a gravitation toward myriad execution. In other words, it’s impossible to pigeonhole Sarah Beth’s style into one neatly definable package and improbable that she’d want you to try. Above all else, she loves the 'people' component of storytelling. "Conceptual, narrative storytelling is so important to me," she says. "My goal is to connect with people - not just to create something visually appealing."
Originally from the USA, Sarah Beth grew up in Saudi Arabia where she was granted a unique and broad perspective. After studying motion graphics at the Savannah College of Art and Design, she worked in the commercial animation industry in Los Angeles, Portland and Ohio. She is currently represented worldwide by Hornet.
Filmmaker's note
In 2005, I was a victim of schoolgirl bullying. I was a mere 13 years old at the time. When I started 7th grade, my best friends began excluding me, calling me names and terrorizing me over the internet and in-person. It was a year of hell that I barely remember, but my mother remembers all too well.
But then, in 8th grade - these same classmates turned around and decided to be my friends again - with no mention of the past year. I was too scared to say anything - but so happy to have my friends back - that I didn’t call them out or defend myself.
This experience has plagued me with trust issues, has exaggerated my perfectionism and people-pleasing qualities. It led me to choose new, toxic friendships that created fresh wounds. And none of this is unique to me. Anyone can be subject to this type of bullying, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, class or worldly location.
I want others out there to know they are not alone and to see their story validated through concrete visuals. I want to pierce the viewers of this film with deep-rooted, gut-wrenching empathy. And I want people who have experienced this trauma to know they are not alone.