Flameborn, 2025

Animation by Mental Canvas and Premiere Pro
3’16’’

Flameborn is my MFA thesis project that explores the enduring theme of women’s bodily autonomy through a short animation using the software Mental Canvas. The narrative centers around two characters: Yuki, a woman from the past who has traveled through different eras challenging the oppressive norms imposed on women’s bodies, and Lilian, a futuristic robot designed to be a reproductive machine, who rebels against her lack of control over her own body. Both characters find themselves in modern society in 2024, representing the intersection of past and future perspectives on women’s struggles. They embark on a journey to find a key figure that can help dismantle the systems of control affecting women’s bodies across different eras. However, unbeknownst to them, the person they are searching for is actually each other.

Throughout their journey, they encounter Lena, an ordinary college girl from the 21st century, who becomes an indirect guide, helping them navigate and understand the contemporary issues faced by women. Lena bridges the gap between Yuki and Lilian, allowing the past and future perspectives to converge and reveal the subtle, yet persistent, forms of control over women’s bodies that still exist today. The narrative highlights issues such as the shame associated with menstruation, the commodification of women’s bodies, and the societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. These are depicted through carefully chosen key scenes: a convenience store where a young girl hesitates to buy sanitary pads, street advertisements that objectify women, and a cosmetic surgery clinic where women line up to alter their appearances.

The project employs symbolic keyframes in the illustrations, capturing significant moments that evoke a sense of introspection and awareness, while the dynamic animation provides a more fluid storytelling experience. As Yuki and Lilian search for each other, they gradually become aware of the hidden societal forces influencing their lives. The revelation that they are the key figures they have been searching for symbolizes the need for unity and collaboration across time, suggesting that true change can only occur when women from different eras join forces.

Ultimately, the project aims to emphasize the power of solidarity among women, transcending historical and futuristic constraints to reclaim control over their bodies and destinies. By blending visual art with narrative depth, my thesis seeks to raise awareness about the persistent issues surrounding women’s bodily autonomy, while offering a hopeful message about the strength that comes from understanding and unity. Through a combination of symbolic illustrations and animation, the story encourages viewers to reflect on the continued struggle for bodily autonomy and to consider the importance of collective resistance against societal norms.