Alone Together

Alone Together is a very special project I began in September of 2020. I was a senior in college, amid a pandemic, plagued with the duty to somehow finish a senior project. Before the pandemic, I wanted to create a stop motion, and I did not want to change my plans because of COVID. This is when I thought of the short 'Alone Together.'

A century ago, on the streets of Philadelphia, Michael and Julia met. They grew up in large Italian families, surviving the great depression, wars, and somehow the 70's. They did this all together, and every day after school my grandmother would pour a cup of tea and tell me all about it. She was a fierce woman with a love that was simply... inescapable.

She died on Easter Sunday. Leaving my grandfather alone for the first time. Or so it seemed. After her passing, my grandfather spent a year living with my family until he was able to join her.

'Alone Together' is dedicated to love that persists through all. I created two characters based on my grandparents and their personalities. I spent my entire senior year trying to perfect this passion project. I couldn't do it. I trashed my first version and started from scratch. I could not do it. I tried to finish the project in time, but something wasn't right. I did not finish 'Alone Together.' I abandoned the project feeling defeated.

I spent most of my senior year living alone. The isolation altered how I functioned, and I lost my ability to create. I spent a long time frustrated with myself. Eventually, I stopped trying and spent months making nothing. One day, out of nowhere, it all came back to me. I was finally able to make art again. I decided I wanted to finish this project, but this time I would do it the right way. I have been dedicating my time to improving my skills. I want to do this project properly. I am not going to make it until I know I have the skills.

Even though this project is unfinished, it is something I am immensely proud of. It has taken me on a journey to better myself and pursue my passions.

Check out Ben and Jo's favorite songs in their playlist 'Waiting'