Support Catching Light: A 2D Animation Short

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I’m a graduate student currently working on my thesis 2D animated short film Catching Light. The film has been in production for three years and is the product of my passion for 2D animation and love of storytelling. Unfortunately, the program doesn’t provide funds for the production, and being an international student, my visa severely limits my work hours, preventing me from gathering enough funds. This is why I am here, asking for your help!

About the film

Catching Light is about a woman overcoming the social restrictions of 19th-century France to pursue painting. The main goal of the film is to encourage young artists to pursue their dreams despite the challenges that come with it.

Your Donations

Your kind donations will greatly assist with the cost of the production and film festival submissions. The expenses include sound design and film festival submission fees. The festivals will help the film gain recognition and provide job opportunities. The rest will be put towards the production of the appreciation gifts to thank you for your support!

Donation tier list. The higher tiers include the gifts from the lower tiers.

“Crocus” $5

Digital Thank You note and Digital Illustration

“Honoré” $15

4 mini art prints, 4 medium prints

“Renée and Honoré” $30

4 medium prints (Romantic illustrations of Renee and Honore); A4 print of the painting

“Pigment Shop” $50

Background Art Book PDF, 3 medium art prints, 5 prints from Catching Light; 1 watercolor illustration

“Renée” $100

Film Production Art Book (visual development) PDF, official signed poster, and 1 big art print

“Yellow Ribbon” $150

Hardcover Film Production Art Book and name in the credits

Catching Light Story

After being rejected by the Art Academy, Renée abandons her dream of becoming a painter and works in a pigment shop instead. However, after an accident leaves her friend’s painting ruined a day before its exhibition, Renée has only one night to finally find faith in her abilities and repair it.

Renée

The protagonist. She dreamed of becoming a painter, but her work was cruelly ridiculed by the Old Master of the atelier where she studied. She has a very good eye for color and light. Currently, she is working at her family's pigment shop, making and selling paint. Even though she is so close to the world of painting, her life is filled with melancholy and unfulfillment. Renée treasures her friendship with Honoré, and sincerely wishes for him to succeed.

Honoré

Childhood friend. He is an aspiring painter, about to exhibit his work. He didn’t enjoy painting in the past, but seeing how much Renée enjoyed it inspired him to give it a sincere try. Honoré found joy in painting outside the mold set by the Academy, and he is determined to challenge the institution that crushed Renée’s dreams. Despite his positive attitude, the old scars from the corporal punishment on his hands hint that there lies something more behind his smile.

The film takes place in 1874 France, right before the first Impressionist Exhibition.

The story explores the theme of human encouragement triumphing over Academic authority. Even outside the field of painting, I believe, a lot of people can relate to the struggle of pursuing their dreams when met with the harsh academic environment. Through the support of other people, you can find the strength to persevere.