Smallie Explores the Effects of Going an Unconventional Route

By Ethan Thomas

Throughout our lives, we are always directed to follow a common or likely path to success.  However, there are often other paths to success that are not encouraged or even promoted. The animated short film Smallie looks at what could happen if one were to choose a different, unconventional way.

Smallie is curated for Planet Classroom by LXL Ideas. The film was written and directed by Sanyam Jain who was only 14 when he produced it. Jain’s animated film explores the path less followed through the eyes of a small ball. The problems and obstacles one might face are fully addressed, and are not hidden or sugar coated. In the end, perseverance is what leads the protagonist to success.

While this film has a strong and important message, it was short and could have been better presented versus the simple visuals and text sentences shown on the screen. I would still recommend it for younger viewers and I give this film 3 out of 5 stars.

Ethan Thomas is a current student at Florida State University, set to graduate in May 2023. He is double majoring in Creative Writing and Information Technology and is pursuing a career in filmmaking.

Author: C. M. Rubin

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