About the film

Mother Didn't Know (original title: Mor visste ingenting) is a 12-minute animated short film directed by Anita Killi, completed in May 2020. The film uses the intricate technique of cut-out, multiplane animation to tell a poignant story about a young girl grappling with emotional struggles. While the girl navigates her internal challenges, an unseen helper works quietly to support her. 

The film addresses the delicate topic of child depression, aiming to spark conversations between children and adults about mental health and the resilience required to face life’s difficulties. It serves as a creative medium for promoting understanding and emotional dialogue in a safe and approachable way. 

Mother Didn't Know has earned critical acclaim, winning awards such as Best Short Film at the 2020 Kristiansand International Children and Youth Film Festival and recognition for its sound design and artistic achievements at festivals like Ottawa and Hiroshima. 

The film Mother Didn't Know was made as a showcase or proof-of-concept to demonstrate the design and techniques that will be used in our upcoming feature film project called Christmas Survivors. Anne Marie Aa created a "making-of” photo book documenting the whole production process. This “behind the scene” picture book can be viewed here.