Narrating Annabel

Inspiration

I was exploring how AI animation could help me tell deeply personal, visually expressive stories - particularly ones rooted in identity, vulnerability and quiet transformation. I turned inward to my own experiences and story. What emerged was a story about a girl, Annabel, who grows up feeling lost, and the quiet voice that eventually finds her. It’s fiction, but it’s also a reflection of me.

What it does

The film is a coming-of-age short told through six evolving animation styles, each representing a different life stage. At first it feels like a simple storybook tale, but gradually a deeper emotional undercurrent builds. Eventually, the voice that’s been narrating all along steps in, shifting the tone and perspective. It’s a layered narrative about memory, imagination, addiction, shame, self-worth - and ultimately, finding your voice.

How we built it

I used ChatGPT for image generation, Runway and Kling for animation, Suno for music, and CapCut for editing. I designed each style to reflect a different life stage.

Challenges we ran into

Keeping Annabel visually consistent across styles, landing the emotional twist, and being brave enough to tell a story so personal.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

It won most uplifting film at the Red Rocks Ai film festival and it has been screen at multiple festivals this year.

What we learned

AI is a powerful tool for emotional storytelling—especially for underrepresented voices or those with limited access to traditional production.

What's next

More short films exploring identity, memory and healing - using AI to tell small stories with big feeling.

Built With

• chatgpt
• kling
• runway