TIS 2016
TIS (2016) is a mesmerizing nine-minute animated short that blends minimalism with deep symbolism.
Director: Chloé Lesueur
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TIS (2016) about?
TIS is a short animated film about a paper-bound silhouette named TIS who escapes confinement but remains tethered to his origin. He strives to join a crowd of similar beings, yet the sheet of paper hinders his progress, symbolizing the invisible barriers that shape identity and ambition.
Who directed TIS?
TIS was directed by Chloé Lesueur, a filmmaker known for her evocative visual storytelling in experimental animation.
Who stars in TIS?
The main cast features Coline Beal in the title role of TIS.
Is TIS (2016) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, TIS is a standout in experimental animation, praised for its striking visuals and layered themes. At just nine minutes, it's a bold, thought-provoking piece perfect for fans of abstract storytelling and minimalist cinema.
How long is TIS?
TIS runs for 9 minutes.
About TIS (2016) — Minimalist animation exploring struggle and identity
TIS (2016) is a mesmerizing nine-minute animated short that blends minimalism with deep symbolism. Directed by Chloé Lesueur, this experimental film follows its eponymous hero as he breaks free from a blank sheet of paper, only to find his escape incomplete—his feet remain tethered, grounding him in a world of ghostly silhouettes. The atmosphere is stark yet poetic, painting a visual metaphor for struggle, belonging, and the invisible chains that define identity. With its stark black-and-white aesthetic and silent storytelling, TIS invites viewers to reflect on freedom, conformity, and the quiet battles everyone faces.
The genius of TIS lies in its simplicity: a single narrative thread woven with profound meaning. The paper sheet becomes a powerful symbol—of life's constraints, societal expectations, or even the weight of one's own past. As TIS limps toward a distant crowd of similar beings, the film's tension builds not with dialogue, but with the raw physicality of perseverance against an unseen force. It's a haunting meditation on what it means to truly move forward when part of you is still anchored to what you once were.