Identical
Shreya & Swaraa Gupta
Duration: 3:14
Media: 3D Computer Animation
Film Genre: Personal/Biographic
Logline: Identical twins Pink and Blue navigate societal expectations, balancing academics and art. This short film explores their universal journey of self-discovery, celebrating the power of being true to oneself.
Summary: “Identical,” is a poignant short film meticulously crafted by the talented duo of twin filmmakers, Shreya and Swaraa. As South Asian women, the filmmakers draw inspiration from their unique journey as identical twins, navigating the complexities of identity and societal expectations, especially within the context of their cultural background.
“Identical” unfolds as a visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of individuality, drawing parallels between the characters, Pink and Blue, and the filmmakers’ own experiences. Pink, a poised and mature character excelling in academia, represents the societal expectations placed on the filmmakers. At the same time, Blue, a more spontaneous and artistic spirit, embodies their yearning for creative expression.
Film
Credits
Shreya Gupta
Director
Art Director
Lighting / Texturing
Character Animation
Sound Design
Compositing/ Editing
Swaraa Gupta
Director
Art Director
Rigging
Character Animation
Sound Design
Compositing/ Editing
Film Stills
Shreya Gupta
Shreya Gupta, a 3D artist specializing in texturing, lighting, and animation, began her journey into the realm of 3D animation at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. With a background steeped in traditional art forms like hyper-realism and illustration, she brings a unique perspective to her digital creations.
In her fourth-year collaborative film project, “Identical,” created alongside her twin sister Swaraa, Shreya took on roles in art direction, storytelling, and leveraging her specialities to weave a tale inspired by their own experiences as young South Asian girls. Her focus centred on meticulously crafting the textures and modelling for the characters and environments, ranging from denim and leather to rugs and wood, showcasing the diversity of interior spaces.
Shreya’s attention to detail extends to capturing the nuances of light and shadow, whether natural sunlight streaming through windows or the warm glow of artificial lights within a home. Finally, she brings the characters to life through animation, utilizing creative choices in their expressions to imbue the film with authenticity and emotional depth.
Swaraa Gupta
Swaraa Gupta, a recent graduate from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, is a talented 3D artist specializing in rigging and animation. Transitioning from a traditional background in painting and hyper-realism, she discovered her true passion for 3D animation during her university years.
Her fourth-year film, created in collaboration with her twin sister, delves into the internal struggle of twin protagonists torn between the pursuit of validation through grades and their innate love for art—an experience drawn from Swaraa’s own life. Her focus lies in storytelling, animation rigging, and editing.
In her rigging work for “Identical,” Swaraa meticulously designed the skeletal structure for both characters, employing a combination of blendshapes and joints. She sculpted expressions with precision, infusing each movement with depth and personality, be it a subtle smile or a poignant gesture. Leveraging her rigging skills, she pushed the boundaries of character expression, amplifying their emotions through animation.
