A heartfelt animated short film created by a mother from Ballymena is set to make a significant impact on children dealing with loss and healing. Eileen Russell, a professional play therapist and founder of WayMaker Child Therapy, directed the poignant film titled “A New Day for Little Bear.” The film will have its premiere at Cinemagic on Saturday, 28th September at the Queen’s Film Theatre as part of the International Film & Television Festival for Young People.
Eileen Russell’s passion for using storytelling as a tool to help transform children’s lives shines through in this project. The film follows Little Bear as he copes with the heartbreak of losing his beloved stars, symbolizing comfort and joy. Through the gentle narrative, Little Bear learns to embrace the beauty of a new experience—the sunrise, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the possibility of finding light after darkness.
According to Eileen Russell, “Experiencing loss at any age is hugely traumatic, but when you are a child, the grief is heightened further because they don’t have a full understanding of what has happened.” She hopes that the film will provide comfort to children and families navigating their grief, showing them that healing and finding light after darkness is possible.
One mother who used the animation to help her children expressed how comforting and soothing the film was for her family. She found solace in watching Little Bear’s story unfold, allowing them to explore their own emotions and find hopeful new ways of coping with loss.
The animation was developed as part of a research and development project funded by Future Screens NI in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast and Creative Producer Jordan Whitefield from What Elephant. It will compete in Cinemagic’s official festival competition for the Audience Award ‘Best Short Film for a Children’s Audience, judged by an audience of children.
Subheadings:
1. The Power of Therapeutic Storytelling
2. Impact on Families
3. Collaboration and Recognition
The Power of Therapeutic Storytelling
Eileen Russell’s dedication to helping children through the healing power of play therapy is evident in the creation of “A New Day for Little Bear.” By utilizing storytelling as a therapeutic metaphor, the film guides young audiences through the complex emotions of grief and recovery. Through the journey of Little Bear, children are encouraged to embrace hope, resilience, and the possibility of finding light after darkness.
Impact on Families
For families dealing with loss, the film serves as a gentle and soothing tool to navigate through the emotions of grief. By watching Little Bear’s story unfold, children and parents alike can find comfort in the narrative, allowing them to explore their own feelings and find ways to cope with their loss. The film provides a safe space for families to come together, ask questions, and find solace in the possibility of healing and finding light after darkness.
Collaboration and Recognition
The development of “A New Day for Little Bear” was made possible through collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast and Creative Producer Jordan Whitefield from What Elephant. This partnership allowed for the creation of a meaningful and impactful film that will compete in Cinemagic’s official festival competition. The recognition and support for the film highlight the importance of using storytelling as a tool for emotional well-being and resilience in children and families.
In conclusion, “A New Day for Little Bear” is a powerful and poignant animated short film that addresses themes of loss and healing for children. Through the therapeutic storytelling crafted by Eileen Russell, families are given a gentle and soothing way to navigate through the emotions of grief and recovery. The film’s premiere at Cinemagic marks a significant milestone in using storytelling as a tool to help children find comfort and hope in the face of loss.