After experiencing a tremendous loss, some try to stay grounded in their community, while others turn to the stars for answers about life’s grand design. In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ artistic director Malcon Pierce ’s Oscar-qualifying short Versa , a pair of celestial lovers try to work together to pull themselves out of a black hole of despair after the loss of their baby in the last stage of pregnancy. Though the six-minute short has no dialogue, it has plenty to say through dazzling animation, a beautiful score, and by moving the nameless male and female couple through the galaxy with nothing but expressions that run the gamut from joy to loss, grief and acceptance.

Below, Pierce talks to Deadline about the inspirations behind the short, his own journey with loss and expan

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