A fateful thread ties two star-crossed lovers together in Bound (Переплетені), an independent animated short from Pixar lead technical director Masha Ellsworth which is entering the Best Animated Shorts race for this year’s Academy Awards. Inspired by romantic folktales of Eastern Europe, the embroidery-styled film is produced as part of the famed studio’s co-op program, and presents a timely, artful piece of Ukrainian-American representation.
Following its international festival run, Bound is now streaming on the Academy Screening Room for Oscar voting consideration. Preliminary voting is December 8–12; the animated short film shortlist announcement will be made December 16.
Synopsis: In a picturesque Ukrainian village, Galya and Ivanko, both in their early 20s, meet by chance when Ivanko’s rake catches a thread on Galya’s apron. This encounter sparks a connection, but misunderstandings and missed opportunities ensue. As Ivanko tries to reach Galya, he faces obstacles, including a mistaken kiss with the neighbor, Natalka. Despite the setbacks, their paths cross again when another red thread intertwines them. Bound is a touching tale of love, perseverance and the invisible threads that bind us.
Ukrainian-American animator Masha Martynenko Ellsworth is a lead technical director at Pixar, with extensive experience in characters department. She started out at the studio as an intern on Ratatouille in 2007, working on lighting and sets, and has since contributed to numerous Pixar feature films — including Up, Toy Story 3, Brave, Inside Out 1 & 2, Coco, Incredibles 2 and Turning Red. Now working in the animation industry for more than 20 years, Ellsworth is from northern Ukraine, and holds a dual degree in Computer Science and Visual Art from Brigham Young University.
The sets for Bound were designed by Ellsworth’s father, Mykola Martyneko, a Ukrainian artist and architect, drawing inspiration from his childhood in rural Ukraine. His artistic influences include Shevchenko, Monet and ancient frescoes. Mykola is currently living in Germany as a refugee with his wife due to the war in Ukraine and continued to work on the short while waiting to return home.
