With this short animated film, Andy Mangano presents their senior thesis for BFA in Animation at Woodbury University. Their goal with this film was to push their personal boundaries of what they are able to create.

"When I was working on my graduation thesis for the state exams in Italy, I specifically discussed the relationship between art and catharsis. I started researching its very early origin. I found this interesting analysis regarding the ancient cult of Dionysus, and how people were associating their subconscious as a bridge to the divine. With my film, I want to appeal to a part of ourselves buried deep inside, that part we carry within us for millenniums, out humanity and its meaning. I want my film to feel like the audience is walking in a painting, like they are part of the painting, a dreamlike sensation."

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I grew up in Sicily, Italy, where I studied Philosophy, History, Grammar, and Literature. There I also won various regional dance sport competitions (Ballroom and Choreo) and became a published, award-winning poet with "La Balena di Ghiaccio." I was a self-taught artist until I moved back to the States in 2016, where I enrolled as an animation student in California. I choose the visual arts as my career because I see the power of media, and how much it can teach people about cultures and situations different than their own. I want to help create a more inclusive media environment where all people can feel valued in our global community.