Brain Space – A Mind-Bending Journey Through Stop-Motion Storytelling
“Brain Space” is an evocative stop-motion animated short film in production, written and directed by Laura Tofarides. This deeply personal and visually inventive project has captured attention—not just for its hauntingly imaginative premise, but also for its ambitious execution and grassroots momentum.
Story & Theme
At its heart, “Brain Space” follows Rhi, a protagonist who becomes ensnared within her own psyche. Forced to confront the shadows of her trauma, Rhi negotiates a surreal world where her inner child is under siege by haunting manifestations of fear and pain. What begins as a desperate struggle to reclaim control evolves into a journey of acceptance and healing. Tofarides frames this as a transformative test of resilience: “From desperation to acceptance, she learns to choose life.”
Behind the Scenes
This labor of love reflects over five years of meticulous work, driven by a modest budget and a singular vision—to produce a film that resonates emotionally and visually with its audience. Tofarides’s ambition far exceeded available resources, and this gap underlined both the extended timeline and the depth of her commitment.
The puppet artistry, too, has become a talking point: Josh, a key collaborator, invested months refining the main character’s puppet. Rhi’s design and craftsmanship contribute to the film’s tactile richness, drawing viewers deeper into her inner world.
Crowdfunding & Community Support
To complete the final phases—including post-production, color grading, DCP creation, and festival submissions—“Brain Space” is currently hosting a crowdfund campaign on Indiegogo.
The campaign’s Indiegogo page highlights the film’s core premise and invites supporters to participate. Among the unique perks offered is a bespoke sculpture, crafted by Josh, as a reward for contributors written into select tiers.
Social media buzz has been strong, with posts hinting at exclusive behind-the-scenes content—such as “how we animated tears” techniques—that deepen engagement with the film’s creative process. One post even emphasizes its urgency: “Today (17th Aug) is the last day that you can back our stop motion short film Brain Space on Indiegogo!”
Creative Vision & Festival Ambitions
On her official site, Tofarides notes that “Brain Space” is already making its way through the festival circuit, even in its unfinished form. Her creative intent shines through both in storytelling and aesthetic: pushing stop-motion beyond mere craft into psychological and emotional exploration.
With a background rooted in animation, direction, and puppet-making (based in Bristol), Tofarides brings a multifaceted skill set and artistic sensibility to the project, enriching every frame.
