"Holm" is a 2D animated movie that delicately follows Cati, a young girl embarking on her first year of university and taking her initial steps into adulthood. The film beautifully highlights her close relationship with her father and their mutual passion for rescuing lost Manx Shearwater birds. Through its narrative, it explores themes of personal growth, the warmth of home, and the challenges that accompany gaining independence. At its core, "Holm" tells a heartfelt story of self-discovery and our connection to nature, as Cati's journey parallels that of the lost bird, with both feeling somewhat adrift in a vast world. With its stunning visuals and relatable themes, the film illustrates how Cati's bond with the bird aids her in her personal growth and finding her way.
The hand-drawn animation style imbues the film with a warm, sketch-like quality, fostering a personal and intimate storytelling experience. The textured paper enhances the visuals, drawing viewers deeper into Cati’s emotional journey and reflecting the characters' experiences and vulnerabilities in a relatable manner.
Additionally, "Holm" touches on the universal feeling of longing for home, or 'hiraeth' in Welsh. Inspired by the Director's personal experiences, the film thoughtfully examines nostalgia and the yearning for familiarity, while also embracing the challenges and opportunities that accompany growing up.
The story is narrated from two perspectives: that of Cati and her father. He comes to realize that his daughter is maturing, and while he wishes to keep her close and protect her, he understands the importance of allowing her to forge her own path. He offers her reassurance that he is always just a phone call away should she need support.
The writer of the film, inspired by his young daughter, conceived "Holm" as a contemplation of how he might navigate similar situations in the future. His love for his daughter, his cultural background, and the stunning region of West Wales where he resides significantly influence the film's narrative.
We would be immensely grateful for your support as we approach the completion of our project. While we have made significant progress, we are in need of additional funds to finalise the animation. This journey has been fulfilling, from the development of our idea to securing production funding from Ffilm Cymru Wales and the BBC as part of the Beacons scheme. At this pivotal moment, your assistance would be invaluable. This project holds particular significance as it celebrates Wales and the Welsh language, a beautiful language that merits attention and support. Thank you for considering our request.
Any contribution, no matter the size, would be deeply appreciated. We aspire to share our first language with the world and highlight the talents of our small but brilliant team. The Welsh language has faced challenges over the years, and creative projects like this are crucial in celebrating its beauty and underscoring its significance as a vital aspect of Welsh culture and other lesser-known British cultures. Your support will enable us to promote the Welsh language further.
As a token of our gratitude, we will ensure that all contributions are acknowledged in the end credits, and once the film is released, we will be happy to provide you with a private link to view it (with English subtitles, if needed).
Diolch yn fawr.
This is a Winding Snake Productions project.
https://www.windingsnake.com/short-films/holm