Max Lugavere’s critically acclaimed feature documentary Little Empty Boxes is punctuated by these animated segments from collage master Ariel Costa (aka BlinkMyBrain), who tags the work as a “blend of emotion and Surrealism.”

Ariel Costa: “In Little Empty Boxes, animation serves as more than just a storytelling device — it becomes a visual language that bridges emotion and information, guiding the audience through a deeply personal and universal story.

“The film follows Kathy Lugavere’s battle with Dementia, seen through the eyes of her son, Max Lugavere, as he seeks alternative approaches to slow her illness. While the documentary delivers a raw and heartfelt perspective on care giving, the animation provides a space where complex ideas, emotions, and memories can unfold in a way that transcends traditional visual storytelling.
 

“By pushing the boundaries of documentary animation, the film transforms complex scientific discussions and deeply personal moments into something visually poetic.”

 
“The animation takes a mixed-media, collage-based approach, blending vintage textures with modern elements to create a striking, atemporal aesthetic. This decision wasn’t just stylistic — it serves as a metaphor for memory itself, where fragmented moments come together to form a larger, more meaningful picture.

“The surrealistic yet grounded visuals allow viewers to immerse themselves in the world of the film, experiencing the dissonance of fading memories while still being anchored in reality. The juxtaposition of different materials, cutouts, and motion creates a layered effect, reinforcing the film’s themes of nostalgia, identity, and the relentless passage of time.

“By pushing the boundaries of documentary animation, the film transforms complex scientific discussions and deeply personal moments into something visually poetic. The animation captivates the audience, not only engaging them emotionally but also making the subject matter more accessible. It stands as a testament to the power of mixed-media storytelling—where raw emotion and artistic vision converge to create something both thought-provoking and deeply human.”
 
 

 
Client: Booklight Film
EP: Max Lugavere, Chris Newhard
Production: Jacob Matthew, Hilla Medalia

Animation director/designer: Ariel Costa

Audio: Ran Raiten “Galactic Conquest”