waterlogged started taking shape during those strange, early days of the COVID-19 quarantine. I’d just moved into my own apartment for the first time, and I was on the hunt for a new creative outlet— and for something to channel my worries about the planet’s future into a meaningful project. And so began the adventure of bringing waterlogged to life.

Drawing from a semester of sculpture experience, I threw myself into learning how to make miniature clay characters. I can’t even remember how many times I sculpted and re-sculpted a single head. I also hand-sewed every piece of clothing. At one point, I sewed a pair of tiny jeans over twenty times just to get the perfect fit. What was supposed to be a short activity quickly became a four-year obsession / passion project. In the early days, I’d spend up to twelve hours experimenting with lighting, animation, and filming.

Even though I took breaks for backpacking trips and devoted time to my PhD research, I never lost sight of finishing the film. My hope is for waterlogged to speak to the urgent need to address the climate crisis, and to what’s possible when you follow your passion wholeheartedly.