‘Of All The Things’ Crowdfunding Launches During Hoarding Awareness Week

Bella Tomlinson

May 21, 2024

Animation, Short Film, Kino Bino

Written by Esmé Sensibar & Bella Tomlinson

Sam Wainman from Clouds End CIC opens the event 📷©AdamShaw

As Hoarding Awareness Week celebrates its 10th anniversary, Kino Bino Animation Studio in Leicester held a Hoarding Awareness Event and launched a crowdfunding campaign for their animated short film, ‘Of All The Things’ supported by the BFI NETWORK and part-funded by the National Lottery. Directed by Steff Lee, who had the idea for the film after her own lived experience, wants the film to shed light on the often misunderstood and isolating condition of hoarding disorder.

The launch event at Phoenix Independent Cinema and Arts Centre, gathered influential figures from hoarding support services and research networks, including Jo Cooke and Paul Cooper from Hoarding Disorders UK, Sam Wainman from Clouds End CIC, Jav Shirazi from Leicester Fire & Rescue Service, Dr Stuart Whomsley from the British Psychological Society, and Dr. Victoria Ruby-Granger from DMU. During the speeches, Jav Shirazi highlighted the role of Leicester's Hoarding Support Peer Group in educating the fire service through personal stories from the hoarding community.

Jo Cooke urged us all to have curious, non-judgemental conversations and was quick to dismantle misconceptions, stating "Hoarding disorder is not a lifestyle choice. It is not a moral failing or poor housekeeping. It is a complex mental health condition."

Director, Steff Lee, and Producer, Bella Tomlinson - introduce the ‘Of All The Things’ crowdfunding video 📷©AdamShaw

Character Development Artwork from ‘Of All Of The Things’ 📷©AdamShaw

After viewing the crowdfunding video for ‘Of All The Things’, Sam Wainman from Clouds End CIC remarked, “It’s so exciting as a resource for professionals and broader community members to increase awareness and understanding.”

Hoarding Awareness Week organisers & panellists. Left to right: Sam Wainman, Bella Tomlinson, Jo Cooke, Steff Lee, Paul Cooper, Victoria Ruby-Grander, Stuart Whomsley, Jav Shirazi 📷©AdamShaw

The event also featured a panel discussion and Q&A session, sparking essential conversations about hoarding, a condition often hidden and isolating. Hoarding disorder is more common than OCD and schizophrenia combined, but diagnosis is challenging and typically requires coordinated support from multiple health and social care services. Paul Cooper emphasized the widespread need for hoarding awareness, noting, “Our online support groups are attended from as far afield as Canada.” Dr. Victoria Ruby-Granger highlighted the importance of listening to those impacted by hoarding and the necessity of ongoing research.

‘Of All The Things’ aims to offer a compassionate, multi-perspective view on hoarding, challenging the shaming narratives often seen in media portrayals. Steff Lee’s journey from seeking support for her mother to creating this film underscores the need for increased awareness and empathy. The event was a significant step in uniting service providers and community members to support those affected by hoarding disorder.

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Information stands from APDO, AGE UK, The Fire Service, Hoarding Disorders UK, the local NHS Social Prescribing Team, and the British Psychological Society provided valuable resources to the attendees.

Attendees included representatives from the social housing sector, East Midlands Fire Services, social workers, housing officers, film lovers, and individuals with lived experience of hoarding. Katherine Goodwin, Housing & Income Services Manager at Greatwell Homes, commented, "The event was insightful, especially hearing directly from those with hoarding experiences." Lois Wright from Lead Balloon Animation studio added “The message is powerful and I feel it will resonate with many people watching it. It's great to see more awareness for hoarding disorder being brought forward.” Another guest stated, “This event has brought empathy back to my work.”

Kino Bino’s crowdfund campaign will be running until the 7th July

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Steff Lee

May 13, 2024

Animation, Short Film, Kino Bino

Leicester Animation Studio Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for Animated Short Film Shedding Light on Hoarding Disorder

Steff Lee

May 13, 2024

Animation, Short Film, Kino Bino

Leicester-based Animation studio, Kino Bino, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for their animated short film ‘Of All The Things’. Supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) NETWORK, the film will visually explore real human emotions within the context of Hoarding Disorder focusing on the relationship between a mother and her daughter.

Though the BFI NETWORK supported by the National Lottery is behind the project, Kino Bino are seeking pledges to complete the production. Their crowdfunding campaign is backed by national hoarding organisations such as Hoarding Disorder UK, Clouds End, and Hoarding Support, with Leicestershire Fire Service, academic experts, and organisations like the British Psychological Society, Age UK, and the APDO rallying behind this worthwhile film.

Steff Lee, the film’s Director, explains, “Our film is more than just a story. We aim to raise awareness and spark conversations around this often misunderstood condition. We believe that, through the power of narrative, we can cultivate empathy, challenge prevailing stereotypes surrounding hoarding, and inspire individuals, their families, and friends to seek support.”

Highlighting the film's creative portrayal of life in a hoarded home. Producer Bella Tomlinson, known for her work on classics like 'Bob the Builder' and 'Pingu', emphasises,” 'Of All The Things' has also been an opportunity to give women working in or starting in the animation industry a chance to showcase their fantastic talents. Our amazing crew has created stunning artwork, charming character designs, and evocative music to highlight how hoarding can impact lives. We're raising funds through crowdfunding to ensure that this film serves not only as a creative expression but also as a valuable resource for hoarding support organisations.”

Professor Nick Neave, Director of the Hoarding Research Group, adds, “The film will form an invaluable educational tool to raise awareness about hoarding disorder, and how it can impact the person and their family. It will be useful for the general public, for people who hoard, and the professionals who deal with hoarding cases and hopefully promote more positive attitudes towards this condition”

Adds Steff, “By participating in our crowdfunding campaign, backers and sponsors become integral investors in a creative film with the potential to positively impact the lives of those with Hoarding Disorder.” Kino Bino is pleased to announce that DMU Engagement and Holistic Hoarding are the first corporate sponsors. Thanks will be extended to sponsors through film credits, exclusive updates, and recognition across their platforms. Plus, crowdfund backers can look forward to a treasure trove of rewards!

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About Steff Lee, Director

Based in Leicester, Steff is an animation director and artist. As co-owner of indie animation studio Kino Bino, she is passionate about using animation to educate and improve accessibility of health and wellbeing information for families and raising awareness of mental health issues. Part of the Creative UK Female Founders Alumni she is a strong advocate for women in animation, driven by a desire to make the industry more inclusive.

About Bella Tomlinson, Producer

An experienced animation producer who produced ‘Bob the Builder’ for HIT Entertainment/BBC, Bella was also nominated for a Children's BAFTA for producing 'Pingu'. She has been working on productions with Kino Bino since 2020. Bella is also keen to promote and encourage women working in the animation industry.