University of Arizona
College of Fine Arts - School of Art

BFA Capstone

Esperanza Ries

This short animation tells the story of a young Latina college student named Esperanza. As she wanders the University of Arizona, she struggles to be comfortable in her own skin and searches for connection with other people. Each time she fails to connect with someone, her body physically shrinks. Her hope is waning. However, when Amal, a ten-year-old Syrian girl looking for her home, comes to visit Tucson, Arizona, Esperanza finds the strength to fight for hope and welcome someone similar to herself. As she internalizes what Amal represents, Esperanza’s sense of self strengthens. Suddenly, she grows to sixteen feet tall, becoming her own symbol of hope.