Hiding and revealing in visual storytelling using vocalized textures

Abstract

This research looks into the creative formulation and the theme that inspires the title "Paula's House," an animated documentary about the search for safety and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya. This film finds its place among non-traditional animated documentary stories, activism stories, and stories that generate moments of empathy. Using a term, I call vocalized textures, the research delves into the artistic choices in techniques and the narrative approach in an attempt to navigate censorship in Kenya while highlighting the importance of authentic representation for queer animated stories in African cinema by queer directors.