Pixar Animator Masha Ellsworth Shares the Story Behind BOUND on KRON4’s “LIVE! in the Bay”
Pixar animator and independent filmmaker Masha Ellsworth joins KRON4’s “LIVE! in the Bay” to share the creative journey behind her Ukrainian folktale-inspired animated short BOUND (Переплетені). She discusses the film’s unique embroidered visual style, the cultural roots of the story, and the balance between studio work and independent creation.
Animation Magazine’s Feature interview “Bound” (Переплетені)
Talking Mental Health in Animation on ABC Bay Area
ABC Bay Area Interview: Talking Mental Health in Animation and “Little t”
Filmmaker Masha Ellsworth joins ABC Bay Area to discuss mental health awareness in animation and the inspiration behind her award-winning short film, Little t. In the interview, she opens up about silencing the inner critic, overcoming creative burnout, and using storytelling as a path to healing. Watch the full segment and discover how Little t brings compassion and vulnerability to the world of independent animation.
Stitching the Missing Verse: My Feature in The Hollywood Times
In her feature with The Hollywood Times, Ukrainian-American filmmaker and Pixar technical director Masha Ellsworth shares how her animated short Bound reimagines the folk song “Nese Galya Vodu,” blending humor, emotional truth, and cross-stitch-inspired visuals to celebrate Ukrainian culture.
Finding My Voice: Bold Journey Magazine Feature
In her Bold Journey Magazine feature, Pixar technical director and independent filmmaker Masha Ellsworth reflects on silencing her inner critic, creating her award-winning shorts Little t and Bound, and honoring Ukrainian culture through the art of animation.
“Bound” Joins the Ukrainian Cultural Festival: Against the Grain in New York City
Bound, Oscar-qualified Ukrainian animated short by Masha Ellsworth, joins the Ukrainian Cultural Festival: Against the Grain in New York City. Presented by Razom for Ukraine, this month-long celebration of bold Ukrainian art features Bound in the Ukrainian Animated Shorts program at Quad Cinema on October 21.
A Moment I Never Expected in My Career
In 2025, Disney•Pixar and Mattel released a new Cars die-cast named Masha Ellswrench — a surreal career milestone for Pixar artist & indie filmmaker Masha Ellsworth.
Finding Magic in Radio: My KSFS Interview About Creativity and Film making with Casey Crews
There’s a special kind of magic in radio—it strips everything down to voice, story, and connection. In my recent interview with KSFS Radio, I opened up about the creative process behind my short films Little t and Bound, balancing indie filmmaking with my work at Pixar, and what it truly means to silence your inner critic. Radio gave me the space to share honestly, and I’d love for you to listen to the full conversation.
"Bound" / «Переплетені» Inspired by Timeless Ukrainian Folk Song “Несе Галя воду” Selected for Bengaluru International Short Film Festival
Bound / «Переплетені», inspired by the timeless Ukrainian folk song “Несе Галя воду”, has been selected for the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF), an Oscar®-qualifying event. This cross-stitched animated short reimagines a missing verse in the song’s love story, blending Ukrainian cultural heritage with contemporary indie animation.
Finding Minor Miracles: My Journey on The BlissFULL Life Podcast
On The BlissFULL Life Podcast, I shared the quiet joys and “minor miracles” that guide my creative journey—from Ukrainian folk inspirations in Bound to the small moments that make art meaningful. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that beauty often lives in the little things.
"Bound" / «Переплетені» Officially Selected for Academy-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival 2025
"Bound" / «Переплетені» has been officially selected for the Academy Award®-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival 2025. This prestigious Hollywood event showcases the best short films from around the globe, and we’re honored to share our Ukrainian-inspired animated short on this iconic stage.
"Bound" / «Переплетені» Nominated at Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology
"Bound" / «Переплетені», the award-winning Ukrainian animated short, has been officially selected and nominated at the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology (PFCAT) 2025. Showcasing cross-stitch-inspired visuals and traditional folk music, the film reimagines the untold final chapter of Ukraine’s most beloved love song. Screening at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), PFCAT celebrates the best in international animation, technology, and independent filmmaking.
A Sneak Peek at Wishing Trees – Our Upcoming Animated Short
Get a first look at “Wishing Trees,” an upcoming animated short film about connection, grief, and renewal. Created by award-winning indie filmmaker Masha Ellsworth, this heartfelt story features a talented team of artists and explores how nature helps us heal. Discover the crew behind the film and what makes “Wishing Trees” a must-watch for audiences of all ages.
Wishing Trees — A New Animated Short for Earth Day 2025
Wishing Trees is a new animated short film by Masha Ellsworth, premiering in 2025. Inspired by the hidden ways trees communicate and care for one another, the film is a quiet tribute to the unconditional love and resilience found in nature. Announced on Earth Day 2025, this hand-crafted animation explores how trees give without asking—offering healing, strength, and connection across seasons.
A Reunion with My Palm Springs Film Family – Highlights from AmDocs Film Festival 2024
I just returned from the AmDocs Film Festival in Palm Springs, and it truly felt like a reunion with my film family. From staying with a local host who saved newspaper clippings about my film Bound, to reconnecting with fellow filmmakers and making new friends, this year’s experience was deeply moving. I’m so grateful to Teddy Grouya, Leighton Ginn, and the amazing volunteers who make this community-centered festival such a special place for storytellers.
AmDocs 2025 Interview: Masha Ellsworth Shares the Story Behind Bound
In a 2025 AmDocs Festival interview, Masha Ellsworth opens up about Bound, a short film that reimagines a Ukrainian folk song through cross-stitch-inspired animation and emotional depth.
“Bound” Featured on NBC Palm Springs Ahead of AmDocs Screening
Recently featured on NBC Palm Springs, “Bound” is an animated short by Pixar’s Masha Ellsworth that reimagines a Ukrainian folk song through the delicate art of cross-stitch. The film will screen at AmDocs 2025 in Palm Springs on March 31.
Pixar Animator’s Bound to Screen at Palm Springs AmDocs Festival
Bound, a visually striking short film by Pixar animator Masha Ellsworth, reimagines a Ukrainian folk song and will screen at the 2025 Palm Springs AmDocs Festival.
"Bound"/«Переплетені» Official Selection at 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival
Our award-winning animated short Bound / «Переплетені» is an official selection at the 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival! Catch in-person and virtual screenings this April.
🎬 Bound Selected for Its Third Oscar-Qualifying Festival!
Bound, my award-winning animated short film, has been selected for its third Oscar-qualifying festival! After premiering domestically at Woodstock Film Festival and internationally at Bucheon International Animation Festival in South Korea, it will next screen at AmDocs 2025 in Palm Springs this March. I’m beyond thrilled to continue sharing this story with audiences around the world and grateful for its recognition on the festival circuit. Stay tuned for more updates as Bound continues its exciting journey!