Experiencing Interruptions?

STRIPES

When playful cub Stripes—vibrant against a camp of rigid, black‑striped tigers—is mocked by the status‑obsessed Blaze, he sets off in search of worth and belonging. His journey leads him to a power-hungry wolf, a flamboyant peacock, and a hyper‑disciplined horse. With each encounter, his colours fade to conformity—until a surreal desert of identical tigers forces him to remember his true spark. Guided by a cryptic monkey’s wisdom, he discovers that life isn’t about surface appearances or single‑minded obsession. It’s about cultivating empathy and genuine connection through embracing his authenticity. Renewed in spirit and colour, Stripes returns home to offer silent compassion to the friend who drove him away.

  • Cara Rust
    Writer
  • Cara Rust
    Director
  • Cara Rust
    Animator
  • Lee van der Merwe
    Key Cast
    "Narrator"
  • Christine Visser
    Character Illustrator
  • Elaine Erasmus
    Digital Artist
  • Jannik Richter
    Music Composer & Sound Designer
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 10, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Pulse Of Animation Festival

    Bulgaria
    December 4, 2025
    Winner
Director Biography - Cara Rust

I create narrative-driven short films that explore relatable stories. From writing and directing to bringing animation to life, I thrive on collaboration and creative freedom (but hey, if an executive producer wants to throw a budget at me, I’m all for it!). All my films are self-funded, so I’m no stranger to wearing multiple hats and making the magic happen on a shoestring. My work has earned international recognition, and I’m passionate about creating films that connect with audiences, spark conversation, and—most importantly—leave a lasting impression (and maybe even a few laughs along the way!).

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Director Statement

We live in a world that rewards conformity—where ambition, vanity, and relentless drive too often drown out the quiet magic of playfulness and wonder. Stripes is my invitation to pause that race, to remember that our deepest worth isn’t measured by status, appearance or sheer will, but by empathy, connection and care.

Through a fable of fading and restoring a tiger cub’s vibrant stripes, this film traces the journey from self‑doubt to self‑acceptance—and reminds us that the greatest bravery lies in embracing our authentic, childlike wonder. It is only when we choose to truly see one another, rather than be seen, that we begin to heal, to connect, and to shine in our own unique light.

I hope Stripes encourages you to welcome your vulnerability, to nurture your imagination, and to rediscover the colours you were born to share.