How Oscar-nominated Butterfly used an unusual technique to achieve its beautiful art style
Creative Bloq
by Joe Foley March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Oscar-nominated animated short *Butterfly*, directed by Florence Miailhe, stands out for its unique painterly art style, which brings a vivid and emotional depth to the story of Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakache. The film condenses Nakache’s life into 15 minutes, focusing on his journey as a Jewish refugee during World War II and his eventual triumph as a competitive swimmer. Miailhe’s impressionistic approach, inspired by painting, gives the animation a warm, fluid texture that transitions seamlessly through time and emotions, making it particularly effective in depicting memory and transformation. This technique not only captures the beauty of water but also conveys the weight of historical struggles, tying Nakache’s story to contemporary issues like antisemitism and migration policies.
The production process behind *Butterfly* was both labor-intensive and innovative. Miailhe and her team used a mix of painted backgrounds on canvas and glass animation to achieve the film’s signature look. Water scenes were especially challenging, with each type—rivers, pools, or the sea—requiring distinct techniques to balance realism with poetic abstraction. This attention to detail elevated the emotional impact of key moments in Nakache’s life, such as his harrowing experiences in concentration camps and his triumphant Olympic win.
For designers and artists, *Butterfly* offers a masterclass in blending technical skill with creative vision. Miailhe’s use of texture and movement highlights how animation can transcend traditional storytelling by incorporating the tactile qualities of painting. This approach not only adds depth to the narrative but also challenges conventional animation techniques, pushing boundaries in visual expression. The film’s success demonstrates how bold artistic choices can elevate both the technical and emotional aspects of a project.
Ultimately, *Butterfly* is more than just a visually stunning short; it’s a powerful commentary on identity, resilience, and the enduring impact of historical injustices. By revisiting Nakache’s story through
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Originally published on Creative Bloq on 3/2/2026