"The Hedge of Thorns": A Thoughtful Animation Finding New Relevance Today

Recently in Dovre, animators Anita Killi and Natalia Malykhina Bratli met at Killi Studio to prepare for their upcoming educational tours with Den kulturelle skolesekken (DKS), centered around Killi's animated short film "The Hedge of Thorns".

The original poster of the film "Tornehekken" - "The hedge of Thorns" (Trollfilm 2001)

Created in 2001 during the conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, "The Hedge of Thorns" is adapted from Elzbieta's book "Flon Flon et Musette." The film addresses themes that, unfortunately, remain crushingly relevant today. With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, and other regions of our illogical world, this gentle yet powerful animation continues to provide a way for children to engage with difficult subjects.

"Animation creates a certain distance that allows children to approach serious themes like conflict and displacement without being overwhelmed."

The film has been found to help start conversations in classrooms throughout Norway, as well as in PRIO's work across several countries where it has contributed to rebuilding trust between communities affected by conflict. During these sessions, students are also introduced to basic animation techniques through a special demonstration case made by Killi's mother in 2001. This hands-on approach shows the glass plate technique still used in Killi's work—connecting traditional craftsmanship with digital storytelling.

In the coming school year, Anita Killi and Natalia Malykhina Bratli will visit different regions across Norway, bringing this educational experience to schools. Malykhina is currently touring with her own film "URSA" through DKS as well. Their hope is that these films might contribute, in some small way, to helping children process complex emotions about conflict in our world.

More information about specific tour dates and locations will be shared when the school year begins this autumn.

"The Hedge of Thorns" can be viewed at trollfilm.no/films/hedge-of-thorns, along with several of Trollfilm's other films in this 30th anniversary year.