Graduate triumphs at British Animation Film Festival

Her graduate film, Strokes of Wildflowers, won the award for Best Student Film and the Audience Award.

“I was a little bit speechless to win,” explained Livvy. “The other films that were selected were amazing, so I was surprised to get one award, let alone two. But I am extremely grateful for them. It is a bit like a physical confirmation that people are resonating with the film.

“I knew I wanted my graduation film to be about stroke recovery, as my grandmother has suffered multiple strokes. I wanted it to be a space where I could share her stories and those of other stroke survivors.”

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Strokes of Wildflowers was animated using charcoal, paint and ink on paper. It told the story of stroke survivors, the physical and mental struggles they face, and the importance of community in their recovery.

Her approach to exploring the difficult subject matter took on an abstract form, allowing audiences to connect with the topic who haven’t experienced it.

“For example, I used a lot of wildflower imagery throughout the film," explained Livvy. “Wildflowers are depicted as resilient because they grow in harsh environments. I wanted to use this as symbolism for stroke survivors, as they show a lot of resilience when overcoming the new realities that they may face.”

To date, Strokes of Wildflowers has won seven awards and picked up 23 laurels from the worldwide film festival circuit and still has a way to go.

Livvy added: “I'm incredibly grateful that I can share these stories around the world at film festivals, because unless you have had a stroke yourself or seen a loved one go through it, you do not know the full extent of how it can affect someone.

“I have had people come up to me after screenings to tell me that it has felt like a little bit of emotional release for them, seeing their loved one represented on the screen, and I think that is what filmmaking should be about: seeing yourself represented.”

To learn more about studying animation at UCA, visit the course pages.

Follow Livvy on Instagram @lseabrook_animation