Searching for Balance

When I was 16 years old, in the time usually spent toasting another strawberry Pop-Tart and pouring myself a glass of milk, I was profoundly inspired by an animated film short HBO played between watching "The Great Muppet Caper" and "Stripes." I only saw it once, but the masterfully crafted abstract story stayed with me throughout the years. I never knew the name of the film, but would refer to it in many "brandstorming" sessions with clients. The film became a part of the DNA of my creative process and a reference point for idea sharing, the tug and pull of working in group, and telling stories with emotions.

For years, I was on a relentless search to find the film. I turned the internet on its end, using combinations of every keyword I could fathom, but always come up dry.

Until today. I present to you the motor behind my motor: Balance, directed by Wolfgang and Christoph Lauenstein. I was not surprised to learn the film won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short (1989).

I have no doubt uncovering this film has everything to do with the memoir I am writing. The archeology of self often presents these sorts of riddles.