Lain Pham Little Roro (2024)

Finalist
Credits
  • Tauira / Student
    Lain Pham
  • Kaiako / Lecturer
    Emily Ramsay
Description:

Little Roro is a short animated film that follows two brothers, Roro, a spirit from the afterlife, and Hope, his living sibling, as they journey together toward Roro’s final destination. Along the way, they share laughter, memories, and moments of joy, even as they prepare to say goodbye.

The film was inspired by the filmmaker’s own experience of losing a family member as a child. It reflects how children often cope with grief through imagination, continuing to picture their loved ones as part of their lives. This emotional truth forms the heart of the story, which is told with warmth, humour, and care.

Visually, Little Roro draws from the style of children’s book illustrations, using soft textures and a vibrant colour palette to create a comforting world. The film also incorporates elements of Vietnamese culture, where the connection between the living and the afterlife is deeply valued. Through this lens, the story introduces young audiences to the idea that death is a natural part of life, and that love continues even after someone is gone.

Little Roro is a gentle and heartfelt exploration of grief, memory, and the unbreakable bond between siblings. It offers a way for children and families to talk about loss, and to find light in the stories we carry forward.