Stories From Hugh van Cuylenburg
Working alongside the talented folks at Dirty Puppet, their project aimed to bring to life the inspiring stories of Hugh's volunteering experience in India through. Creating a visually compelling and informative narrative that highlights Hugh's passion for teaching and education, and raises awareness for The Resilience Project.
With more than 13 years of teaching experience, both at the primary and secondary level, Hugh's dedication to education is evident in every aspect of the project. Our goal was to showcase his great work in India and inspire others to get involved with The Resilience Project. Through our efforts, we were able to create a project that is both engaging and informative, capturing the heart of Hugh's story and the mission of The Resilience Project.
CLIENT:
Dirty Puppet, The Resilience Project
TOOLS & TECH:
Adobe After Effects, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
ROLES:
Animation, Compositing, Rigging
The Dis Story
This is the story of the most grateful person Hugh ever met - a boy named Stunzin. Every time Stunzin finds himself in a moment he's thankful for, no matter where he is or what he is doing, he stops. He points to it. And just says DIS. DIS! DIS!
Mindfulness
Hugh reflects on his journey with mindfulness and meditation, starting with a healthy dose of skepticism. When he first saw kids and parents gathering each morning for meditation at the school, he thought it was a waste of time. It wasn’t until he noticed the dedication of the kids, showing up voluntarily, that he started to reconsider. Hugh decided to join in, though it felt awkward at first. He started by simply observing his breath, the sounds around him, and his own thoughts—things he normally didn’t pay attention to. Over time, he began to notice a shift. He found himself looking forward to meditation, appreciating how it made him feel more calm and relaxed throughout the day. Even when things went wrong, he found himself worrying less than before. For Hugh, this practice of mindfulness became a game-changer, proving how small, consistent habits can have a big impact on mental well-being.
Empathy
Hugh recalls his first day as a teacher in a Grade 3 classroom, filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness. He was eager to meet the kids, who were just as excited to meet the "new teacher from Australia." But as he confidently strutted toward the classroom, something unexpected happened—he didn’t notice the low doorway and walked straight into it, smacking his head hard. The Grade 3s erupted in laughter, and though it was embarrassing, Hugh couldn't help but laugh too. The next day, as he approached the same doorway, he was greeted by a thoughtful gesture from one of the kids, Stunson. The boy had padded the doorway with leaves and sand to protect Hugh from another accident. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Hugh, reminding him that even the smallest acts of care can make a big difference in someone’s day.
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LEAD ANIMATION:
Cameron GoughADDITIONAL ANIMATION:
Jon Asquith, Will Archer & Taryn Borgford