Laurence Arcadias: The Eclipse at Annecy International Animation Festival 2025
The Eclipse is more than a short film—it’s the result of an astro-animation workshop held during the 2024 HEAD meeting of the American Astronomical Society, where astronomers were invited to step beyond the bounds of scientific inquiry and creatively interpret the solar eclipse. Through humour, personal memories, and expressive storytelling, scientists enthusiastically embraced the challenge, bringing fresh and diverse perspectives to one of nature’s most inspiring events. This project reflects our belief that science and art are deeply interconnected. Both are driven by a desire to understand and express the mysteries of the universe, each in its own language. We hope this film encourages viewers to embrace a broader, more human approach to science communication—one that captures not only the facts but also the wonder and emotion of discovery.
Director’s bios:
Laurence Arcadias is an award-winning animator and professor of animation at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore. Her films have been showcased at numerous international festivals, earning multiple awards. She began her career as an animation director for French television, where her series Alex won Best Short Animation TV Show at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. As former chair of MICA’s animation department, she co-initiated an innovative Astro-animation course in partnership with NASA scientists, bridging art and science education. She is currently pursuing a PhD through Liverpool John Moores University and the Transart Institute.
Robin Corbet is a research scientist at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He holds a PhD in high-energy astrophysics from University College London and worked at Oxford University and the Japanese Space Agency. His research centers on binary star systems containing black holes or neutron stars, where incredibly strong gravitational and magnetic fields produce X-rays and gamma rays. Corbet also explores new approaches for undertaking the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. He co-teaches astro-animation at MICA to build bridges between science and art.