Gabriel Delgadillo & Alison Bonilla: Telling Hidden Stories Through Stop Motion
At just 13 years old, Gabriel Delgadillo and Alison Bonilla are already making waves in stop motion animation, bringing untold stories to life through their thoughtful and expressive mini-documentaries. As directors of Five Reasons to Live and animators of The Poor Old Lady and Cut Your Bad Mood, they blend history, social awareness, and creativity to craft compelling narratives.
Bringing Forgotten Stories to Life
Their animation process begins with deep research. For Five Reasons to Live, they studied documents from the Armando Armero Foundation to uncover the heartbreaking history of children lost after the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz volcano eruption. “We read about the rescued children who disappeared and how, even after so many years, their mothers are still searching for them,” they explain. They then designed their plasticine characters to resemble the real children—Astrid, Janeht, Ludivia, Yadira, and Franklin—and carefully recreated Armero’s lost city using historical photographs.
A Unique Artistic Approach
Their animations stand out not only for their emotional depth but also for their distinctive visual style. “Our characters mix plasticine with wool and jute, with expressive faces and vibrant colors,” they say. Their storytelling also challenges convention, shedding light on hidden injustices, from the stolen children of Armero to issues like bullying in schools.
Collaboration Through Creativity and Fun
Despite tackling serious subjects, Gabriel and Alison make sure the creative process remains joyful. “We always have fun, laugh, and throw out ideas together,” they say. As directors, they guide their team while allowing room for shared creativity. “We make sure everyone plays to their strengths, but most importantly, we make animating a happy moment.”
Overcoming Stop Motion Challenges
Working with fragile plasticine models can be stressful, especially when characters or sets get damaged. “Sometimes the dolls fall apart, and that’s frustrating,” they admit. Their solution? Take a step back, breathe, and even joke around before getting back to work with fresh energy.
Low-Cost Animation with Big Impact
Without a professional budget, Gabriel and Alison have found innovative ways to bring their films to life. “We use phones, desk lamps, mobile tripods, and CUDAUT, a wooden structure invented by Katapulta Audiovisual to hold our cameras in place,” they explain. Free apps like Stop Motion Studio and CapCut help them edit and add sound, proving that passion and resourcefulness can overcome financial limitations.
Animation as a Tool for Change
More than entertainment, their films aim to make a difference. “We want people to understand how kids see the world and reflect on their daily actions,” they say. Their dream is for Five Reasons to Live to reach international audiences. “Some of the lost Armero children were adopted abroad. Maybe someone will recognize themselves and reunite with their family,” they hope, urging potential survivors to contact the Armando Armero Foundation.
Looking Ahead
Their future projects will continue to address real-world issues. “This year, we want to focus on nature conservation and bullying in Colombian schools,” they reveal. Their dedication to meaningful storytelling ensures their animations will continue to inspire awareness and change.
Advice for Aspiring Animators
Their key lesson? Patience. “A mini-movie isn’t made in a month—it takes time,” they advise. “That’s why you have to fall in love with animation and its magic. Through animation, you can tell anything, even the most painful or dramatic stories. Never stop expressing yourself.”
A Special Thank You
Gabriel and Alison express their gratitude to their teacher, Mallivi Melo, for introducing them to animation and helping them discover their voices through AnimaSol@ Lab.
With their passion, creativity, and determination, these young animators are proving that storytelling has no age limit—and that animation can be a powerful force for remembrance and social change.