“Unravelled,” an original animated short film by iACADEMY students Avryll Nartates, Sofia Bianca Chua, and Maria Isabella Patricia Manaloto, captured the Grand Prize Award in the Student Division at Animahenasyon, the country’s largest and most prestigious animation festival organized by the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI). The annual competition champions original content, celebrates Filipino talent, and elevates the standards of creative excellence in the animation industry.
At the core of “Unravelled” is the story of Rio, a college student illustrated with a face made of tangled lines, a visual metaphor for inner conflict and the complexities of self-acceptance. The narrative begins playfully, sparked by a gender-bent selfie that unexpectedly unravels deeper questions about identity. What follows is a quiet yet compelling journey of self-discovery, culminating in Rio’s acceptance of both his current and younger self. In its final moments, the film reveals Rio’s true face, clear, calm, and finally unburdened, symbolizing growth, clarity, and courage.
For iACADEMY, this victory is more than a win; it is a testament to the institution’s commitment to shaping storytellers who push boundaries. Through strong mentorship and a Beyond Better creative environment, students are equipped to produce meaningful work that resonates within, and beyond, the animation community.