GHS Student Peace Msengi’s Powerful Short Film Earns Fourth Place at UIL State Competition
Junior Peace Msengi is in her first year at Georgetown High School (GHS), and she is already making her mark.
On February 22nd, Msengi took fourth place at the UIL State Film Competition in the 5A Digital Animation Category for her short film, “What If”. With over 800 films submitted to the competition, this was no small feat.
The Meaning
“What inspired me to create this film was my personal experience and the thoughts that pass through my head when I walk through the school hallways,” Msengi said. “I took those thoughts and I portrayed them in the main character.”
Msengi’s animated film follows the perspective of a young boy with severe social anxiety as he walks through a day at school. Although Msengi shares that her feelings are not as severe as the ones portrayed in the film, she knows that there are many people out there who can relate to the message.
“My biggest hope when people watch the film is that they walk away with an understanding of what it’s like to have trouble communicating with others,” Msengi said. “I also want the film to inspire hope — hope for people who struggle, like me, with communicating.”
“It’s like, it’s okay to feel these things, and you should feel supported in asking for help if you need it.”
The Process
It might be hard to believe when you see her work, but Msengi is a self-taught film-maker. She created most of “What If” outside of school, on her own time after she heard about the UIL Competition at an impromptu Film Club meeting.
Msengi used a software called FireAlpaca to create the animation in individual, hand-drawn scenes that she eventually combined to create one film.
“Ever since I was a kid I enjoyed drawing and creating, and I was always fascinated by animated films,” Msengi said. “One day, I thought it was time for me to try and create my own.”
Msengi voice acted the entire audio herself and used a voice changer to edit the pitch of her voice for different characters.
“I used an app called BandLab to layer background sounds in order to give off an intense, overwhelming effect,” Msengi said.
“I wanted to successfully shed light on the struggles that come with social anxiety and extreme shyness, while also making the audience feel seen and understood.”
If you would like to view Msengi’s film, you can find it on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/0SOYV0r002w
Please note: This film touches on topics that may be heavy or sensitive for some viewers.
