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- Hannah O’Keeney
Hannah
O’Keeney
Aisling
“Aisling” is a 2D hand-drawn animation following a young woman struggling with her identity. The piece focuses on peer pressure, and how the harshest form of it comes from within. Aisling is confronted with a manifestation of herself as she navigates a night out with friends she has grown distant from. The night soon spirals out of control as Aisling gives in to the pressure.
We all have a choice in what we do, but Aisling feels that she doesn’t. Social outings are a source of pressure for young people today, and the desire to be accepted. Aisling is no longer interested in going out, but her anxiety surrounding the loss of a friendship pulls her toward a night of pushing past her boundaries. Her internal conflict is personified through a version of herself guiding her through the night, leading her to spiral out of control. The film acts as a warning to the dangers of conforming to the pressure from both within, and from our friends. It is a reminder that we have a choice in what we do, and that there is comfort in being yourself and not needing the approval of others.