ABOUT
THE
ARTIST
Esandi Amarakoon is an animator based in Montreal, Quebec. Introduced to art by her maternal grandmother, she learned needlework, knitting, and embroidery—instilling an early appreciation for craftsmanship and the transformation of raw materials.
Before pursuing a formal education in fine arts, she explored painting and collage, often using digital tools to develop references. This experimentation led her to digital painting and, eventually, to a BFA in Film Animation at Concordia University. There, she discovered a passion for the moving image, with a particular interest in stop motion and under-camera techniques.
Now specializing in tactile animation and sound design, Amarakoon creates films with a dreamlike, surreal quality. Blending sensory and symbolic elements, she explores human emotion and aims to create spaces where audiences can see their own experiences reflected—offering moments of validation and connection.
Animating the Past: A BCRC Workshop in Motion - 2024
With Roslyn Elementary School / Black Community Resource Centre
Arts & Crafts in the Park: Crochet Workshop - 2023
With Building Bridges Project Series / Black Community Resource Centre
An Introduction to Sound Design - 2023
With Black Community Resource Centre / Where They Stood: The Animated Series
Making a Beat-Board - 2023
With Black Community Resource Centre / Where They Stood: The Animated Series
AWARDS
2024 Cinema Development Fund $250
This award recognizes students from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema for their excellence in filmmaking, including animation, production, and academic achievements in film studies. This award is part of an annual ceremony celebrating outstanding contributions and achievements by student filmmakers and scholars
2021 Grant Munro Entrance Scholarship $7200
The Grant Munro Scholarship is granted through competition, based on the combination of academic merit and an outstanding portfolio which demonstrates artistic excellence and unique cinematic vision, to full-time students applying to the Film Animation Program at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema
SCREENINGS
"Play Along" 2024
The Twelve Vacancies Film Festival 2024 - Fan Favourite Award
The Concordia Film Festival 2024
"Scorched" 2022
The Black Animated Film Festival 2024
The Concordia Film Festival 2022 - Michael Prupas /Muse Entertainment Scholarship $1250
WORKSHOPS
TITLE | YEAR | ORGANIZATION |
|---|---|---|
Animating the Past: A BCRC Workshop in Motion | 2024 | Roslyn Elementary School / Black Community Resource Centre |
Arts & Crafts in the Park: Crochet Workshop | 2023 | Building Bridges Project Series / Black Community Resource Centre |
An Introduction to Sound Design | 2023 | Black Community Resource Centre / Where They Stood: The Animated Series |
Making A Beat-Board | 2023 | Black Community Resource Centre / Where They Stood: The Animated Series |
TEACHING
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AWARDS
TITLE | YEAR | ORGANIZATION |
|---|---|---|
Animating the Past: A BCRC Workshop in Motion | 2024 | Roslyn Elementary School / Black Community Resource Centre |
Arts & Crafts in the Park: Crochet Workshop | 2023 | Building Bridges Project Series / Black Community Resource Centre |
An Introduction to Sound Design | 2023 | Black Community Resource Centre / Where They Stood: The Animated Series |
Making A Beat-Board | 2023 | Black Community Resource Centre / Where They Stood: The Animated Series |
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WORKSHOPS
TEACHING
2023 - Concordia University : Teaching Assistant for the course "Sound for Animation Film"