PHANTOM ON THE CLIFF

A story about a rock climber's obsession with mountains that turns to hatred after an accident. This was my graduation film for my Master of Arts in Animation at the Royal College of Art, 2014.

Background

The story draws inspiration from phantom limb syndrome, a neurological phenomenon where amputees continue to sense their missing limbs. American neurologist Oliver Sacks suggests it's a memory that persists in the brain, while designer Revital Cohen describes it as "the providence of the soul."

The main character, Ben, experiences phantom limb syndrome in an unusual way—rocks and plants grow on his missing arm. At night, he has vivid dreams where glowing mountains seem to beckon him. Eventually, he must return to the mountains to confront his past and pain.

One can only move forward and survive by confronting the source of their nightmares.

Material

A stop-motion animation created with wax and plaster, crafting an icy and surreal world.