Reroot is a short animation featuring an ensemble cast made up of discarded objects, weeds and wildflowers exploring universal themes and stories.
The story follows ‘Plastic Bottle’, who is thrown into a weed-filled patch of urban wasteland underneath a Belfast carriageway. Ever the optimist, Plastic Bottle tries to fit in with the eco-community and makes friends with the plants growing around her. Along with her new friends, they learn it’s okay not to be okay and not to know your way – we’re all wildflowers in this world.
Whilst at Edge Hill, Connor received am Excellence in the Performing Arts Scholarship alongside being the University’s Student Governor and the SU’s Student trustee.
Since graduating Connor has worked on productions such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
Connor said: “In true Edge Hill ethos, the short film aims to educate, whilst also entertain. REROOT has allowed two creative graduates to collaborate on something meaningful, with a moral message, well beyond the realms of the campus.
“While at university, I was lucky to have a student documentary appear at Liverpool Irish Festival, which was about the life and legacy of Kitty Wilkinson. So it’s been such a wonderful, closing-circle experience, to also have this film appear in Liverpool Irish Festival years later.
“More than that, it has been great to work professionally with Philip – a fellow Edge Hill graduate, someone I indirectly worked with during my third year at a TV Studio workshop. It’s an honour and joy to continue these Edge Hill-rooted connections.”
Philip said: “I’m delighted to be part of REROOT. When Connor approached my agent to ask if I would like to be involved, I jumped at the chance. As part of my MA in Education at Edge Hill University, I studied the impact of storytelling on children’s learning and used The Gruffalo as a tool.
“So, to be part of REROOT that promotes wellbeing and diversity among young children through animation was an instant yes.
“Whilst studying my BA in Drama, I was focused on collaborating with different departments, particularly Film and TV and Animation, so it’s great to see how those connections continue beyond the University borders.
“Edge Hill fosters a supportive and collaborative ethos and that really rubs off on its students.
“Connor is just brilliant to work with and anyone lucky enough to be asked to be part of his projects I would encourage you to jump at the chance, as I did.”
The film is available to view as part of the Festival
To discover more about courses at Edge Hill University, please visit ehu.ac.uk/study.
November 3, 2022
