Little t 2023 Short Film by Masha Ellsworth

Watch “Little t” (2023), the charming animated short film by Masha Ellsworth. A small letter on a birthday cake embarks on one very big adventure.

🎂 Little t (2023) — Animated Short Film by Masha Ellsworth

A whimsical yet deeply relatable animated short, Little t 2023 short film invites us into the mind of a young woman on the cusp of a life‑changing opportunity — and the two inner voices that could make or break her big day. Written and directed by Masha Ellsworth, a seasoned Pixar technical director, this 6‑minute film is a playful, heartfelt reminder that self‑belief is as essential as talent.

🧭 Overview

Genre: Animation / Comedy‑Drama / Inspirational
Director & Writer: Masha Ellsworth
Runtime: ~6 minutes
Country: United States 🇺🇸
Language: English
Budget: Estimated $20,000
Release date: 10 May 2023 (USA)
Festival highlights: Award‑winning run including AmDocs Film Festival 2024 in Palm Springs
Production style: 3D animation with expressive, character‑driven design

Watch full short:

📖 Story in Brief

It’s the biggest day of Alexis’s life — her dream job interview as an interior designer. She’s armed with:

An impressive résumé 📄
A polished design portfolio 📐
And… two constant companions: her Inner Critic 😈 and her Inner Child 👧

As she heads into the interview, Alexis is pulled between these voices:

Inner Critic: Sharp‑tongued, perfectionist, quick to point out flaws.
Inner Child: Playful, curious, and unafraid to dream big.

The journey takes an unexpected detour into the origins of comfort food 🍰 — a metaphorical exploration of what nourishes us emotionally. Along the way, Alexis uncovers hidden strengths, reframes her self‑doubt, and learns that embracing both sides of herself might be the key to unlocking her potential.

🛠️ Creative “Tools” & Style

Character duality: The Inner Critic and Inner Child are fully realized characters, each with distinct animation styles and personalities.
Metaphorical world‑building: The comfort‑food sequence blends surreal visuals with emotional storytelling.
Expressive animation: Facial expressions and body language carry as much weight as dialogue.
Pixar‑polished craft: Ellsworth’s experience in character and lighting departments shines through in the film’s visual warmth.
Tight pacing: At just 5 minutes, every beat is purposeful — no filler, all flavor.

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

Pros

🎯 Relatable premise: Anyone who’s faced a high‑stakes moment will recognize Alexis’s inner tug‑of‑war.
🎨 Visual charm: Bright, appealing design with thoughtful details.
💬 Positive message: Balances self‑critique with self‑compassion.
🏆 Festival success: Recognition on the indie animation circuit.

Cons

⏳ Short runtime: Leaves you wishing for more time in Alexis’s world.
🌀 Metaphor‑heavy: Some viewers may prefer a more literal narrative.

🌟 Themes & Resonance

Self‑belief vs. self‑doubt: Learning to listen to both without letting either dominate.
Inner voices: How our internal dialogue shapes our external actions.
Creativity under pressure: The challenge of staying authentic when stakes are high.
Emotional nourishment: Comfort food as a stand‑in for self‑care and resilience.

👥 Who Is It For?

Young professionals: Anyone navigating career milestones.
Animation lovers: Fans of character‑driven, metaphor‑rich shorts.
Festival audiences: Viewers who enjoy uplifting, compact storytelling.

💡 Humanized Takeaway

Little t 2023 short film is a sweet, funny, and quietly profound reminder that we’re all carrying multiple versions of ourselves into every big moment. Ellsworth’s film suggests that success isn’t about silencing your inner critic — it’s about letting your inner child have a seat at the table, too.