Frame By Frame Workshops

This past weekend we exhibited the work made in our summer workshop series at TAIS

Thank you to everyone who came out. It meant so much to us to receive such warm feedback — it’s powerful motivation to host future programs like this one.

Congrats to our filmmakers on your incredible work: .pansy plus Fran and Penakee

And thanks to everyone who participated in the collaborative sand animation! (see the last video in this post)

To many more ✨

Seeing Hands by Penakee Das

Abstract animated short film screening at TAIS from Dec 5-7

Artist’s Note: Describing my hallucinations was the hardest part of every doctor’s visit. Using animation I visualize them and the journey I took to accept hallucinations as part of my sight.

Alt text: Still image from the film of two abstract pink and blue hands on pixelated blue background. Surrounding the still image is a gradient of blue to mauve from top left to bottom right of page.

A Long Night by Miles Obilo


A sand animated short film screening at TAIS from Dec 5-7

Artist’s Note: A Long Night is an abstract sand animation depicting the rhythmic nature of pain. The body is taken on a journey of pain and rest, weaving in and out of dreamlike states throughout the night.

Alt text: A still image from the film showing abstract navy blue sand in horizontal lines. Surrounding the still image is a gradient of blue to purple from the left of page to the right.

Body by Francis Tomkins


A collage stop motion short film screening at TAIS from Dec 5-7

Artist’s Note: Body uses dreamlike imagery to reflect on the experience of living in/with a disabled bodymind.

Alt text: A still image from the film showing two paper arms cradling a small paper flower on a dark background. Surrounding the still is a gradient of orange to purple from top left to bottom right.

Hurt Spot by Saman Mehrabi


A hand-drawn and miniature sculpture animation screening at TAIS Dec 5-7

Artist’s Note: This excerpt from a longer work (in progress) titled ‘Hurt Spot’ is about the experience of a young immigrant girl who isn’t quite like the others, and struggles to be accepted by peers. This scene shows her personal resolve (though maladaptive), and the resulting helplessness, isolation, and disillusionment from her environment.

Alt text: A still image from the film in center of page showing black and white hand drawn character flying through the sky with high rise buildings in background. Surrounding the image is a gradient of turquoise to purple to turquoise from top left to bottom right.

Getting There by Pree Rehal & Lilah Hill
.pansy

A puppet stop motion animated short screening at TAIS from Dec 5-7

Artist’s Note: This film is about 2 Disabled pals trying to get to the beach using public transit.

Alt text: A still image from the film in center of page showing two main characters with mobility devices with sky behind them. Surrounding the image is a gradient of blue to pink from the top left to the bottom right.

Riding the Waves by Fran Odette

A sand and clay animated short film screening at TAIS from Dec 5-7

Artist’s Note: The poem explores a tension between a world that appears to be constantly “morphing” or progressing for some, while remaining rigid and unchanging for others—especially those whose bodies or minds are not seen as “productive” or adaptable.

Alt text: A still image from the film showing navy blue sand in abstract shapes on a cream coloured surface. Surrounding the still is a blue to green gradient.

Frame by Frame & Toronto Animated Image Society invite you to the 2025 Accessible Animation Exhibition.

Free Admission — Hosted at TAIS (1411 Dufferin St Unit B, Toronto)
Dec 5th: Opening party & screening 7-9pm
Dec 6th & 7th: Drop in screening 1-5pm

• Come and see 6 animated short films that explore disability
• Meet the filmmakers
• Learn about the program
• Eat snacks!

Throughout the summer, a group of artists and animators met at TAIS weekly to share thoughts, explore co-design, and create! Six incredible short films were made and Toronto’s animation community expanded.

This program has been funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation — supporting community driven arts. We are so grateful to TAIS for hosting this workshop series in their accessible animation space.

Alt Text: Poster with blue background and hand illustrated lines moving through text information for upcoming animation exhibition. Logos for Frame by Frame and the Toronto Animated Image Society are small and at the bottom right corner. Six thumbnails of the animated films are side by side in the middle of the poster.

We received so many beautiful applications for this program. Thanks so much to everyone that applied & to everyone that helped by sharing our posts. Can’t wait for the workshop to begin!

Applicants will be notified by July 24th ✨