Snowflakes: Living and Resilience in Little Ones

Sabrina Stoll’s Snowflakes is an animated 6-minute drama about finding a spark of magic in bleak circumstances. Charly, its tiny protagonist, discovers that there is joy to be found even within the confines of four walls when a little girl walks into her room at the children’s hospital. 

Written by Tiziana Giammarino & Sabrina Stoll, the film delves into the lives of Charly (voiced by Clover Kar) and Lana (Violet Brielle Spataro), both of whom are afflicted with an illness they have no control over – cancer. There are painstaking efforts taken to make the children’s hospital look cheerful, but the realities within cannot be painted over with a unicorn brush.

Charly is the true protagonist, and the narrative beautifully unfolds within her room, where the calendar marked with chemo dates constantly reminds her of her struggles. Lana, the agent of change, enters her life unexpectedly, and despite initial reservations, her warm and vibrant personality positively influences Charly. The character design of the girls, with Lana’s rich warm colors contrasting Charly’s pale pastels, further symbolizes the impact of this newfound friendship. The background score has always been ripe for an adventure. The world opens up for her in bursts of colour and sweeping landscapes. Laughter, sunlight, imagination fill the narrative.

Magic is in the (make) believing, Charly learns. The two girls make a new world within the room. Lana has made a friend. In fact, as an underexplored character, Lana allows a lot of room for imagination. The third friend she creates with Charly is accessible to them alone, but when Charly’s dispirited parents return after a consultation, Charly’s happiness is unmissable. 

Snowflakes is for children and adults alike. It ends with a wider view beyond Charly and Lana. Through windows, the narrative peeks into the world of the hospital and its patients. Laughter and joy are in abundance, and therefore, so is resilience. 

Watch Snowflakes Short Film Trailer