Animated autobiography is a unique form of self-representation which allows its creators to assemble a variety of conventions and elements to help explore and represent an aspect of their identity. This essay considers how identity is represented through narrative, specifically autobiographical animation. I will examine theories of identity and narrative, consider the discourses, conventions and definition of animated autobiography, and the way cultural identity in autobiographical work impacts on identity and narrative. I reference a 10-minute autobiographical animation called Greensplat, made in 2011. This film focuses on my personal experiences between 1984 and 1990, incorporating memories, recontextualised archival audio, and documentary elements, and is set in the wider context of mining and its environmental consequences. I conclude by examining how this work utilises the conventions and influences discussed to create a personal narrative that constructs individual identity.
Dawn Tuffery
Dawn Tuffery is from Waikato Institute of Technology’s School of Media Arts, in Hamilton, New Zealand. She received a Master of Arts (Distinction) in 2011, focusing on biographical stop-motion animation. Presentations include the Animating Time-space Symposium (Raglan), ANZAAE conference (Hamilton), and Canberra’s New Factual Storytelling Symposium (remotely). Her animated films have appeared in festivals such as New Zealand International Film Festival, London International Animation Festival, Show Me Shorts Festival (Aus/NZ), Tokyo International Environmental Film Festival, and Reelframe Festival (Canada).
