Curiosa, an independent short film by Tessa Moult-Milewska is a triumph. Featured at festivals around the world, the film has been showcased at the prestigious European Independent Film Festival (ÉCU), and achieved its milestone by qualifying for an Oscar run. After years of artistic evolution and themes explored by Moult-Milewska, Curiosa manages to balance technical innovation with emotional depth.

The Authenticity of Curiosa

At its core, Curiosa is about curiosity, jealousy and growth, tinged with magical realism that really opens up what should be a personal experience into a universal tale. The film’s central conceit-that an “overly curious girlfriend climbs into her boyfriend’s head” was inspired by Moult-Milewska’s own experiences navigating relationships in her youth. “Everyone knew it was going to end badly just from that line,” she jokes, acknowledging how it captured the tone for the film’s whimsical yet unsettling exploration of jealousy. Moult Milewska drew inspiration from magical realism and filmmakers who worked with similar thematic elements. While pursuing the interest in psychology and the details of human behaviour, Curiosa became the universal tale which was born through personal experiences and ideas.

The scriptwriting process also involved substantial collaboration. Moult-Milewska also collaborated with actors to perform in mache masks and participate in improvisation sessions. These creative interactions added depth to the characters and even influenced the dialogue. For instance, the poignant final line—“I’m so glad you’re part of my life now”—emerged organically during conversations with the actors on set. She recognized it as a fitting conclusion to a story steeped in emotional complexity and personal revelation.

Visual Innovation Meets Emotional Depth

One of the defining features of Curiosa is its aesthetic, which reflects the directors innovative approach to animation. The film juxtaposes two distinct visual styles to represent the protagonist’s inner and outer worlds. This contrast not only enhances the narrative but also adds a unique visual rhythm to the film. “I had an idea of using a lot of the human body in the film,” Moult-Milewska explained. “There’s also a difference in colour and storytelling style between the interior and exterior worlds.” These stylistic choices emphasise the duality of the protagonist’s, Mary’s emotional journey, creating a layered viewing experience that draws the audience into her psyche.

The production process behind Curiosa was as intricate as the story itself, involving a blend of artistic experimentation and logistical hurdles. Each frame was carefully crafted, however, this attention to detail came at a cost. The production, carried out during the weight of the pandemic, brought physical and emotional challenges.

“I wouldn’t have been able to finish the film if I hadn’t stayed in the school for 16 hours a day,” Moult-Milewska shared. Beyond the long hours, the pandemic intensified the pressure. Despite these struggles, the collaborative spirit of the production proved to be a silver lining. To highlight the difficulty in the technique of pixilation animation, she explained: “With the film, you have to accept that you’re not going to have the perfect animation because you’re filming with other pe

ople and you cannot control every move they make,”. Yet, these collaborations brought a unique vibrancy to the final product. “They also brought amazing ideas and insights into the story and acting,” she noted, highlighting the two-sided nature of collaboration—balancing challenges with creative breakthroughs.

Recognition and Resonance

Since it was released, Curiosa has struck a chord in its viewers. “Quite a few people, even in their 50s and 60s, shared their own experiences with me after watching the film,” Moult-Milewska said. According to her, such moments of connection are among the most rewarding aspects of her work, a validation of the power of storytelling across personal and universal experiences.

Curiosa’s Lasting Impact

Curiosa is now available to watch on Short of the Week. The film is also part of the For Your Consideration campaign for Academy Awards for Best Animated Short after qualifying with the Jury Award at Austin Film Festival. With its smooth mixture of personal experiences and more universal themes that are relatable to its viewers, the film transcends cultural and generational barriers. From an ambitious NFTS graduation project to getting qualified for an Oscar run, Curiosa whisks the viewer into a multifaceted world of imagination that ultimately leaves them with an emotional mark. As the film remains provocative and continues to receive critical acclaim, it cements Tessa Moult-Milewska’s position as one of the thrilling voices in modern animation. To her, Curiosa is but the beginning a motivational step toward a future filled with bold, envelope-pushing stories that promise to make new and unexpected statements on animation and storytelling.