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Elbow Room

This animated short tackles the subjects of personal space, conflict, and conflict resolution in the workplace. At the office, tempers flare as two coworkers who are sitting dangerously close find themselves bumping elbows and spilling ink. The film demonstrates four common approaches to interpersonal tensions: retreat, aggression, denial and - finally – negotiation. This film is part of the ShowPeace series of lively animated films about conflict resolution. This series has received support from UNICEF and Justice Canada.
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This animated short tackles the subjects of personal space, conflict, and conflict resolution in the workplace. At the office, tempers flare as two coworkers who are sitting dangerously close find themselves bumping elbows and spilling ink. The film demonstrates four common approaches to interpersonal tensions: retreat, aggression, denial and - finally – negotiation. This film is part of the ShowPeace series of lively animated films about conflict resolution. This series has received support from UNICEF and Justice Canada.

War, Conflict and Peace Psychology and Psychiatry Social Issues All subjects
Indigenous Cinema
  • story
    Diane Obomsawin
  • direction
    Diane Obomsawin
  • design
    Diane Obomsawin
  • animation
    Diane Obomsawin
  • infographics
    Itsik Romano
  • digital imaging specialist
    Normand Gauthier
    Susan Gourley
  • digital input and output
    Jean-Marc Brosseau
  • digital assistance
    Michel Provençal
  • background
    Josée Lévesque
    Diane Obomsawin
  • photography
    Marick Boudreau
  • lighting
    Éric Barbeau
  • picture editing
    Fernand Bélanger
  • sound consultation
    Fernand Bélanger
  • sound design
    Benoît Fauteux
  • original music
    Benoît Fauteux
  • musician
    Noah Cannon
  • foley
    Karla Baumgardner
    Elana Medicoff
  • foley recording
    Geoffrey Mitchell
    Patrick Viegas
  • re-recording
    Serge Boivin
    Jean Paul Vialard
  • ShowPeace series development
    Janet Perlman
  • post-production coordination
    Éric Barbeau
    Richard Lesage
    Andrée Lachapelle
  • executive producer
    David Verrall
  • producer
    Marcy Page

Education

Ages 7 to 13

Study Guide

Guide 1

Notes

Questions/Activities:

  • What was the issue that the green character was facing?
    • This can be used as an exercise in empathy as well as gauging the attention of your students.
  • What were the different ways in which the green character tried to solve his problem?
    • A gauge of attention and comprehension of what the film was depicting.
  • What approach worked out in the end?
    • Allow this question to lead to a discussion on conflict resolution and more diplomatic ways of negotiating.

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Elbow Room
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