ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bloom: Animated Short on Depression and Kindness

other · 2026-04-27

The animated short film 'Bloom' (2012) by Emily Johnstone and Brian Kistler, then students of Animation and Illustration at San José State University, tells the story of Nadine, a lonely and depressed woman living in darkness with closed curtains and a TV always on. A stranger neighbor performs a silent act of kindness, leaving a plant bulb for Nadine to care for, which eventually blooms. Nadine later reciprocates by giving a plant to another stranger living in shadow. The film is a simple, touching narrative about the power of small, unexpected gestures that can sow hope where it seemed impossible. The article was published on Artribune in January 2021.

Key facts

  • The short film 'Bloom' was created in 2012.
  • Directors are Emily Johnstone and Brian Kistler.
  • Both were students of Animation and Illustration at San José State University.
  • The protagonist is Nadine, a lonely and depressed woman.
  • A stranger neighbor leaves a plant bulb for Nadine.
  • Nadine later gives a plant to another stranger.
  • The film explores the power of small, unexpected gestures.
  • The article was published on Artribune in January 2021.

Entities

Artists

  • Emily Johnstone
  • Brian Kistler

Institutions

  • San José State University
  • Artribune

Sources