Keywords

Parkinson's, Animation, Father-Daughter Relationships, 3D Animation

Abstract

Centered is a three-dimensional (3D) animated short film that explores the topic of parental illness and how families must respond with compassion and adaptability when loved ones face mental or physical challenges. The story is inspired by the director’s own experience with her father’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease when she was in high school. The main characters, a father and daughter, must navigate the father’s changing needs after his diagnosis by prioritizing their connection and adapting to his new physical challenges. In the film, they do this through the creation of pottery. The imperfect, handmade design style of the film is used to represent the nuances of disability, specifically the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease as well as the importance of the human touch in creation. By watching this film, the viewer is meant to reflect on their own experiences and how they can respond with more compassion when their loved ones face unexpected challenges.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Christina Christie

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

Emerging Media: Animation and Visual Effects

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Identifier

DP0053196

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