“Water tends to misbehave,” says Samantha J. Barroso (BFA ’22), director of senior capstone animation project Cenote—a film filled with water, a challenging medium for animators.
“There’s a different feel [underwater],” adds effects lead Jason W. Williams (BS ’22). “Almost like it’s a foggy day.”
Set deep in the Yucatan Peninsula, the film features a young axolotl who, stranded by ancient magic in a flooded sinkhole, needs a human’s help to return home.
Cenote ultimately won best animation at the 42nd College Television Awards. “I prayed so much for this project,” Barroso reflects. “And it’s brought me a lot of joy.”
Watch the film:
