“Bound” Featured on NBC Palm Springs Ahead of AmDocs Screening

We’re thrilled to share that NBC Palm Springs has featured Bound, an animated short film by Pixar’s Masha Ellsworth, ahead of its upcoming screening at the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs) in Palm Springs on March 31, 2025.

A Cross-Stitched Reimagining of a Ukrainian Folk Song

Bound is a visually rich animated short film that brings to life the untold story behind the beloved Ukrainian folk song Galya Carries Water. Designed to mimic the look and texture of traditional Ukrainian cross-stitch embroidery, the film explores timeless themes of love, misunderstanding, and cultural memory.

Inspired by a missing verse in the song, director Masha Ellsworth—a lead technical director in the characters department at Pixar Animation Studios—reimagines the emotional journey of two young lovers whose fate is left unresolved in the original lyrics. Through animation, Ellsworth stitches together a new version of the story, blending her personal heritage with artistic innovation.

Featured by NBC Palm Springs

NBC Palm Springs recently interviewed Masha Ellsworth about her inspiration for Bound, her roots in Ukraine, and her experience balancing independent filmmaking with her work at Pixar. The segment highlights how Bound uses cross-stitch as both a visual motif and a metaphor for human connection.

🎥 Watch the full NBC segment here

Screening at AmDocs 2025

The film will screen as part of Program 51 at the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival, one of the leading platforms for non-fiction and animated storytelling in the U.S.

📍 Location: Palm Springs Cultural Center
📅 Date: Sunday, March 31, 2025
🕝 Time: 2:30 PM

🎟️ Tickets and festival passes are available at www.amdocfilmfest.com