Mother didn’t know
2020
Synopsis
"Mother Didn't Know" (original title: "Mor visste ingenting") is a 12-minute animated short film directed by Anita Killi and co-written with Marianne Bundgaard Nielsen. Completed in May 2020, the film employs cut-out, multiplane animation to tell a poetic fable about a young troubled girl. A caring helper seeks to assist the girl while remaining unseen. The narrative addresses child depression, aiming to facilitate conversations between children and adults about life's challenges and finding ways to cope when situations seem insurmountable.
The film has garnered several awards, including Best Short Film at the 2020 Kristiansand International Children and Youth Film Festival, the Special Prize at the 2020 International Animation Film Festival Hiroshima, and Best Sound Design at the 2020 Ottawa International Animation Festival.
Anita Killi, born in 1968 in Stavanger, Norway, studied illustration and graphic design at the Norwegian National College of Art & Design, followed by animation and documentary filmmaking at Volda University College. She graduated from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts with a master's degree in animation, specializing in multiplane technique. Killi established and runs her own animation studio, Trollfilm AS, in Dovre, Norway, and is known for directing several award-winning short films, including "Angry Man" (2009) and "The Hedge of Thorns" (2001).
Mission
The animated short film Mother Didn't Know seeks to address the sensitive topic of child depression and emotional struggles through a poetic and visual narrative. By crafting a tale where a young girl receives unseen care and support, the film highlights the importance of connection, understanding, and empathy in navigating life's difficulties.
The mission of the film is to serve as a bridge for dialogue between children and adults, providing a safe space to explore complex emotions and the challenges of mental health. Through its unique animation style and heartfelt storytelling, the film aims to:
Foster awareness and understanding of childhood emotional struggles.
Encourage open discussions about mental health, particularly between children and their caregivers.
Inspire hope by demonstrating how empathy and care can help overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
With its artistic approach and universal themes, the film aspires to be a tool for education and healing, offering a compassionate lens through which both children and adults can better understand the nuances of emotional well-being.
About the film
Mother Didn't Know (original title: Mor visste ingenting) is a 12-minute animated short film directed by Anita Killi, completed in May 2020. The film uses the intricate technique of cut-out, multiplane animation to tell a poignant story about a young girl grappling with emotional struggles. While the girl navigates her internal challenges, an unseen helper works quietly to support her.
The film addresses the delicate topic of child depression, aiming to spark conversations between children and adults about mental health and the resilience required to face life’s difficulties. It serves as a creative medium for promoting understanding and emotional dialogue in a safe and approachable way.
Mother Didn't Know has earned critical acclaim, winning awards such as Best Short Film at the 2020 Kristiansand International Children and Youth Film Festival and recognition for its sound design and artistic achievements at festivals like Ottawa and Hiroshima.
The film’s director, Anita Killi, is a celebrated animator known for her mastery of multiplane techniques and storytelling that bridges art and human experience. With her studio, Trollfilm AS, Killi has created a series of impactful animated works, including Angry Man (2009) and The Hedge of Thorns (2001), both of which highlight her commitment to meaningful narratives and artistic innovation.
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