Filmmaker Statement

Reading letters published by a Danish children's helpline sparked the idea for the film ‘Puddle’. In these letters, we encountered heartfelt concerns of young children writing about families struggling with poverty, lacking basic needs such as food, shelter and electricity. What resonated deeply with us was the burden these children carry, feeling responsible in some cases, as if they were to blame for circumstances beyond their control. A burden no child should bear. Through ‘Puddle’, we aim to portray a little girl desperately trying to get the affection of her distant father. Despite her efforts, she cannot break through to her father, resulting in her seeking inward. To implement this perspective, we chose to create a film with a childish stroke and take advantage of the animated media to narrate the complex emotions and imagination of a child, through colorful and creative animations. The director, Mads, draws from his personal experience working at the Danish Welfare Administration, where he encountered cases of people struggling up close and played a part in their stressful lives. We also incorporate our own perspective on life as two young adults struggling to maintain our childlike view of the world while being confronted with the harsh realities of adulthood.