What started out as a workshop to train Thamarai facilitators to support children to create their own stories and make them come alive through Stop Motion filming has turned into an international endeavour! Thamarai youth facilitator, Prathap, is now part of a wider global team of youth from Thamarai India and Foroige Ireland, who are creating a storyboard and film together through zoom under the guidance of Siddharth Maskeri of Soulifly. You can read more about that in the next issue. Here is how it started …
One quiet morning at Thamarai, we came together for a stop motion animation workshop that slowly unfolded into something much more than learning a technique. The day began with a simple reflection on how, as adults, we often move away from imagination and play. Animation gently invited us back into that space — to slow down, observe closely, and create with curiosity.
The workshop was guided by Siddharth, whose calm and patient approach helped everyone feel at ease. There were three participants — Savithri, Vinoth, and myself — and the small group allowed for focused attention, shared exploration, and plenty of room to experiment. It was happening continuously for 10 days for four hours.
As the session progressed, we began creating simple characters and small scenes, learning how movement emerges frame by frame. Watching still objects slowly come alive was both surprising and delightful. It reminded us how much attention, care, and patience go into even the smallest act of creation.
We also watched a few inspiring stop-motion videos, which opened our eyes to the many possibilities of the medium. One of the most enjoyable moments was animating a paper craft aeroplane so that it appeared to fly. It was playful, hands-on, and filled with laughter — a reminder that learning can be joyful when we allow ourselves to explore freely.
The atmosphere throughout the workshop was relaxed and creative. Ideas were shared easily, questions flowed naturally, and everyone supported one another’s process. By the end of the session, participants shared their short animations and reflected on what they had learned. The feedback exchanged was thoughtful and encouraging.
The workshop concluded on a happy and energised note. We left with new skills, fresh ideas, and a deeper appreciation for animation as a mindful and creative practice. More than anything, the experience reflected what Thamarai values — learning through doing, creating together, and reconnecting with curiosity and imagination.
