Wishing Trees — A New Animated Short for Earth Day 2025
Wishing Trees is a new animated short film by Masha Ellsworth, premiering in 2025. Inspired by the hidden ways trees communicate and care for one another, the film is a quiet tribute to the unconditional love and resilience found in nature. Announced on Earth Day 2025, this hand-crafted animation explores how trees give without asking—offering healing, strength, and connection across seasons.
A Reunion with My Palm Springs Film Family – Highlights from AmDocs Film Festival 2024
I just returned from the AmDocs Film Festival in Palm Springs, and it truly felt like a reunion with my film family. From staying with a local host who saved newspaper clippings about my film Bound, to reconnecting with fellow filmmakers and making new friends, this year’s experience was deeply moving. I’m so grateful to Teddy Grouya, Leighton Ginn, and the amazing volunteers who make this community-centered festival such a special place for storytellers.
AmDocs 2025 Interview: Masha Ellsworth Shares the Story Behind Bound
In a 2025 AmDocs Festival interview, Masha Ellsworth opens up about Bound, a short film that reimagines a Ukrainian folk song through cross-stitch-inspired animation and emotional depth.
“Bound” Featured on NBC Palm Springs Ahead of AmDocs Screening
Recently featured on NBC Palm Springs, “Bound” is an animated short by Pixar’s Masha Ellsworth that reimagines a Ukrainian folk song through the delicate art of cross-stitch. The film will screen at AmDocs 2025 in Palm Springs on March 31.
Pixar Animator’s Bound to Screen at Palm Springs AmDocs Festival
Bound, a visually striking short film by Pixar animator Masha Ellsworth, reimagines a Ukrainian folk song and will screen at the 2025 Palm Springs AmDocs Festival.
"Bound"/«Переплетені» Official Selection at 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival
Our award-winning animated short Bound / «Переплетені» is an official selection at the 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival! Catch in-person and virtual screenings this April.
🎬 Bound Selected for Its Third Oscar-Qualifying Festival!
Bound, my award-winning animated short film, has been selected for its third Oscar-qualifying festival! After premiering domestically at Woodstock Film Festival and internationally at Bucheon International Animation Festival in South Korea, it will next screen at AmDocs 2025 in Palm Springs this March. I’m beyond thrilled to continue sharing this story with audiences around the world and grateful for its recognition on the festival circuit. Stay tuned for more updates as Bound continues its exciting journey!
Silencing the Inner Critic: Watch Little t and Explore the Companion Guide
Masha Ellsworth Talks Bound, Ukrainian Folklore, and Storytelling Across Cultures in CoAR Interview at BIAF
In her BIAF interview with CoAR, Masha Ellsworth shares the inspirations behind Bound, from Ukrainian folk traditions to crafting a story that speaks to all.
Crafting the Most Universal Story with the Most Unique Materials — Masha Ellsworth Talks Bound in Cine21 Interview
Cine21 features Masha Ellsworth in an interview about Bound, her animated short that uses Ukrainian folk elements to tell a universal story of love, timing, and missed connection.
Pixar Animator’s Little t Featured in Yahoo News Japan & Hito Cinema for Its Exploration of Everyday Trauma
Featured in Yahoo News Japan and Hito Cinema, Little t by Pixar animator Masha Ellsworth explores the quiet but lasting impact of everyday trauma through powerful visual storytelling.
"Несе Галя воду" – A Timeless Ukrainian Folk Song
"Несе Галя воду" ("Nese Galya Vodu") is a cherished Ukrainian folk song that beautifully captures themes of love, longing, and rural life. The song tells the story of Galya, a young girl carrying water, while Ivan, enamored by her beauty, follows her like a winding periwinkle, a symbol of devotion in Ukrainian culture. Through simple yet poetic lyrics, the song explores the universal emotions of unrequited love and admiration. More than just a love song, it reflects the deep connection between the Ukrainian people and their traditions, with the act of fetching water symbolizing the flow of life and relationships. This timeless melody continues to resonate with audiences, preserving the rich heritage of Ukrainian folk music.
Pixar Animator Masha Ellsworth’s Bound to Premiere in BIAF Shorts Competition
Pixar animator Masha Ellsworth returns to BIAF with Bound, a poetic short set in a Ukrainian village, premiering in the festival’s prestigious Shorts Competition.
Masha Ellsworth Talks Bound, Folk Inspiration, and the Beauty of Missed Connections in New Interview
In her latest interview with We Are Moving Stories, Masha Ellsworth dives into the making of Bound, a poetic short inspired by Ukrainian folk music and missed connections.
Behind the Pixels of Little t: Masha Ellsworth Shares Her Creative Process in Utah International Film Festival Interview
The Utah International Film Festival sits down with Masha Ellsworth to explore the inspiration, challenges, and emotional core of her animated short film Little t.
LA Indies Magazine Spotlights Little t — A Short Film About the Voice Inside
Little t, a powerful animated short by Pixar’s Masha Ellsworth, is featured in LA Indies Magazine for its stunning visuals and heartfelt message about facing the inner critic and embracing self-worth.
Masha Ellsworth Shares the Bold Decision to Change Little t's Ending Just Weeks Before Completion
In her interview with We Are Moving Stories, Masha Ellsworth shares how trusting her intuition led her to rewrite the emotional ending of Little t just one month before finishing the film.
Film Review: Little t — A Powerful Look at Perfectionism and the Inner Critic
In Little t, Pixar animator Masha Ellsworth weaves a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story about perfectionism, self-criticism, and healing. Praised by clinical psychologist Lisa Damour as “a layered, visually magnificent story,” this award-winning short speaks to anyone who’s ever felt “not good enough”—which is to say, all of us.
MEET THE CREW: Adrian Maruri
