Searit Huluf is breaking new ground in animation. The Ethiopian-American filmmaker has made history as the first Black woman to direct a stop-motion short film for Pixar, with her stunning project, Self, now streaming on Disney+. Read more about this Black History moment inside.

A longtime animation enthusiast, Huluf’s pioneering work has already earned her a spot on Variety’s 2024 ‘Top 10 Animators to Watch’ list, solidifying her as a rising star in the industry. Her achievement also highlights the increasing impact of Black women in animation, a field where representation has long been lacking.

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Bringing Stop-Motion to Pixar

Pixar is widely known for its cutting-edge 3D animation, but Huluf’s Self marks a bold new direction for the studio. Stop-motion animation, a painstaking and intricate art form, requires animators to meticulously move physical objects frame by frame to create seamless motion. It’s a labor of love that has produced legendary films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline.

For Huluf, who has long admired stop-motion as a storytelling medium, this project is a dream come true. Self explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth, showcasing Huluf’s ability to blend deeply human storytelling with visually stunning animation.

A Creative Powerhouse

(L-R) Emonee Larussa, Searit Kahsay Huluf and Katy Fishell attend the Variety 10 Animators To Watch, presented by Nickelodeon, at The Aster on July 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Source: Rich Polk / Getty

Huluf is more than just a director. She’s a true creative force. A self-proclaimed blerd (Black nerd), anime lover, foodie, and solo traveler, she brings a unique and fresh perspective to the animation industry. Her love for storytelling is evident in her work, and Self is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible career.

With this milestone, Huluf is not only keeping the stop-motion craft alive but also opening doors for more Black creatives in animation. In an industry where Black women are still underrepresented, her success is a major step forward.

Stream Self  Now

Want to witness history? Self is now streaming on Disney+, along with “The Making of Self,” a behind-the-scenes look at how this groundbreaking short film came to life.

Searit Huluf is proof that Black women are shaping the future of animation, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Congrats!

Check out here work below:

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