The Student Design Challenge, hosted by the Graduate School, CCW, University of the Arts London, sought work from artists with a knack for storytelling through digital film-making or motion graphics. The Challenge specifically solicited pieces that considered the nature of human interactions and behaviour, with an impressive set of judges including The Mill, Dan Lockton, Justin McGuirk of The Guardian and Sadhna Jain.  

Andreea Dumuta took first prize for her heartening project, "The Dining Little Cubes." In the short film, nearly a dozen paper dolls gather together for a dinner party. Through skillful use of ambient noise and paper sets, Dumuta conjures lively interactions between the flat characters. As the figures switch places, their expressions shift and the background chatter rises and swells, Dumata illuminates the characters' familiarity with one another and their shared delight in each other's company.

The Dining Little Cubes from Andreea Dumuta on Vimeo.

As the winner, Dumuta will receive a paid internship in the Digital Contests Department at The Mill, and her work will be promoted through The Mill and at a design conference later this year.

The judging panel also recognised Yi Ju Tsai's project, "The Lift." The Highly Commended drawn animation depicts the exchanges between people who take the lift together. Tsai uses sweet imagery and a playful soundtrack, and much like brief conversations in between floors, his animation is charming in its simplicity. Both films utliise sound to great effect.

The Lift from Yi Ju Tsai on Vimeo.