13/11/2025 - Marcin Arcimowicz’s short student film takes an endearing look at friendship within a trippy world that ripples with creativity

During the 20th anniversary edition of Animest – Bucharest International Animation Film Festival (3–12 October), animation students had the chance to showcase their films alongside professional artists. By screening both programmes in combined blocks, the programmers allowed the weirdness and freedom of student films to sit side by side with more polished works, creating a diverse viewing experience. The festival has a tradition of hosting works from various schools as part of the main program, such as Estonia’s EKA and the Animation Community of MOME in Hungary.

NO_SRC (2024, Poland), a short film directed by Marcin Arcimowicz, was one of the standouts in the student competition. From a series of spaces that ooze a haunting liminality to the sketch-like animation prone to constant changes of pace, the six-minute film includes elements that feel tailor-made for late-night viewing. But there’s also a surprising warmth to the story. The protagonist meets an angry egg that just needs a hug.

A falsetto-like chanting captures the viewer’s attention as the narrative introduces a purple-hoodied guy sitting in a screening room. His dour expression contrasts with the smiley-face on his hat. Behind him, the projection shows a chart that seemingly teaches the viewer how to walk. No need for walking when you can use your palms as wings, which the protagonist does. Now out in nature, he meets the egg doing gymnastics. There is a familiarity to the green environment, inviting the viewer and the silent protagonist to discover more, especially as he has just left a dark room of skeletons who seem to have found their demise in front of laptops.

Along with his new friend, he goes down memory lane, being transported through a tube adorned with toys, a Gameboy, the sketch of a Nintendo 64 controller, and a Furby that’s definitely seen better days. The destination is a neon-lit bar, where lovers puff out hearts of smoke and listen to soft piano music. Welcome to La Notte Art Caffe Bar. The egg gets drunk out of his mind and takes the stage, introduced by the gentle piano tune. Under a deep red spotlight, he attempts to do gymnastics again, but a green waterfall convulsively leaves his mouth, staining the dance floor. A jump scare later, the protagonist picks up his companion and leaves.

Under the spell of thumping techno, the landscape contorts, taking the protagonists on a psychedelic trip. Third eyes open, bodies are X-rayed and black and white waves vibrate across the pitch-black background. This is definitely not your typical boys' night out. But at least the unlikely friends stick together.

The mysterious title of Arcimowicz's film indicates an unknown origin for what is unfolding within its brief runtime. The narrative finds itself as it progresses before the viewer's eyes. Its spaces meld with each other, finding weird characters with each step, rippling with creativity throughout the adventure. Behind the oddity, the film reveals an endearing attitude towards the main relationship. It feels right that the man with the hoodie cares for the egg. Sometimes you just need a reassuring presence when dealing with a rough patch. Just as the smiley reappears throughout the zany whirlwind, signalling to the spectator that everything will be fine.