In this animated short, filmmaker Diane Obomsawin shows how childhood can be a chaotic time, especially if you're bouncing back and forth between two continents. With engaging candour and gentle humour, Obomsawin fleshes out an uncertain identity and takes control of her life. Using drawings on paper and digitized snippets of fabric, she creates a whimsical world of simple lines and pastel tones.
Here and There is an animated short that highlights some childhood experiences of Obom, the filmmaker, who was raised in both Canada and France after her parent’s divorce. Students will be able to discuss and/or write about their reflections on Obom’s experiences. Many students will be familiar with living in two households, but this story also spans two continents. What impact could this distance have on family relationships? What are your impressions of the settings of the story in France and Canada? Can you find evidence of Canadian and French cultural identity in the film? Describe Obom’s unique art style. What did it add to the story?