Symbiotic – A Visually Striking Stop-Motion Journey Into the Uncanny

Symbiotic is a striking example of how student-led stop-motion filmmaking continues to evolve in bold and emotionally resonant directions. Directed by Arianna Ahrabinejad and produced at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the short film blends surreal insect imagery, tactile craftsmanship, and psychological tension to explore the inner world of a teenage girl on the brink of emotional unraveling.

The film follows a young protagonist who becomes increasingly plagued by visions of a praying mantis couple. As her home life grows more volatile, the dream world begins to seep into reality, unraveling the boundary between her subconscious fears and waking life. The result is a textured, atmospheric journey that uses stop-motion’s physicality to amplify the uncanny and the intimate.

A Visually Rich, Emotionally Charged Short

At just over three minutes, Symbiotic wastes no time establishing its distinct visual language. The mantis couple—beautifully fabricated and animated—acts as both metaphor and manifestation, reflecting the protagonist’s internal struggle. The miniature world is rendered with finely crafted sets, hand-built props, and a moody lighting design that accentuates the story’s dreamlike tension.

Ahrabinejad’s direction brings a confident rhythm to the storytelling, guiding viewers through a seamless blend of tactile animation, 2D assets, and subtle compositing work. The film’s hybrid visual approach adds depth and fluidity, allowing dream imagery to invade the constructed physical spaces in unsettling ways.

Craftsmanship at the Center

Like many of SCAD’s ambitious student stop-motion productions, Symbiotic was created by a sizable and highly coordinated crew. Puppet fabrication was handled by Arianna Ahrabinejad, Avery Wilt, and Carter Mehle, who also served as Art Director. The mantis characters exhibit thoughtful design choices in shape, texture, and articulation—key in bringing surreal insect-human parallels to life.

Sets and props were constructed by Tatiana Abraham-Siqueff, Hannah Griffin, Megan Sennett, and additional members of the fabrication team. Their work forms an environment dense with symbolism and emotional contrast. Animation was executed by Kari Miller, Bradley Walker, and Thaddeus Varness, who bring expressive nuance to both human and insect characters.

The film’s atmospheric soundscape—composed by Maike Androsch with extensive Foley and sound editing—adds emotional weight, reinforcing the protagonist’s blurring mental state.

Festival Path & Recognition

Symbiotic has been circulating within the student and emerging-creator festival circuit. It screened as part of the Animation First Festival’s 2024 student showcase and has been highlighted in several SCAD-curated festival programs across the U.S. The production team has also mentioned award recognition, including a Best Student Animation Short award in July 2023.

The film’s Instagram account promotes its ongoing run, describing Symbiotic as an “award-winning stop motion animated film,” with continued exposure expected as festivals update their 2024–2025 programming.

A Strong Debut from an Emerging Filmmaker

For director Arianna Ahrabinejad, Symbiotic marks a powerful directorial debut. With a growing interest in atmospheric, psychologically driven stories, her work showcases a strong command of visual storytelling and handcrafted animation techniques. The film also reflects the collaborative strength of SCAD’s stop-motion community—where fabricators, animators, designers, and sound artists merge their craft to support ambitious short-form storytelling.

With its haunting imagery, memorable creature design, and thoughtful emotional core, Symbiotic stands as a promising calling card for its creative team and an example of how student stop-motion continues to push stylistic boundaries.