Sasha Haxell

Hi! I’m Sasha, an animator based in the UK. I have a passion for storytelling and produce work in various mediums, including hand drawn animation, 3D, and motion graphics.

I've always been obsessed with stories and I now channel that into my animation, whether it be through traditional storytelling or more abstract narratives. I enjoy creating works that reflect the emotions of reality and feature strong girls as protagonists, with a particular focus on the importance of human connection. Some works that have inspired me include those of Studio Ghibli, Revolutionary Girl Utena, and Fullmetal Alchemist.

I have worked on various projects with different clients - such as NHS Provide, Stop the Hunger, and Lost & Found Nature Conservation - requiring pitching and development of an original animation idea into a professional final product.

My Final Major Project is an animated short film about a girl who lives in a seaside town with her fisherman father, and the struggles she has with telling him that she wants to leave their village. After much contemplation, she decides on getting him a goodbye gift; but she just can't find the perfect thing. Will she figure out how to tell him, or will the decision be taken out of her hands?

I wanted to channel the types of emotions that the works of Studio Ghibli and films such as Ice Merchants make me feel by a piece I find moving. The film focuses on the ideas of family and change, and the complicated emotions that revolve around growing up.