Mother’s Child

Loving mother and full-time carer, every day is a battle for Mary. Wading through the bureaucratic mess that comes with caregiving has her isolated, unsupported and sleep deprived. Simultaneously, she struggles to fully understand her disabled, non-verbal son Murphy’s needs. After being dealt another blow by an obtuse administrator, reality begins to blur. Finding the beauty in the everyday has never been more challenging. A surreal animation to pay tribute to society’s true heroes, giving a voice to those who dedicate their lives to others.

The film was awarded the Programmer's Prize at the Athens International Film and Video Festival 2025 and also participated in the Berlinale 2025, Palm Springs International ShortFest 2025, or the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025.

Naomi Noir is a Dutch writer, director, and animator. Her often absurdist works mesh witty linguistics with raw linework to give a surrealist snapshot of the inner worlds of her unique characters. Her art imitates life. Her films draw inspiration from pub tales, reality television, and the painful topics most of us avoid. Noir’s latest award-winning work, Mother’s Child (2024), lays bare the everyday intricacies of having an adult child with special needs.