Directed by Ukrainian media artist Sonia Leliukh, Comma is an animated short film that offers a surreal and poignant perspective on life during wartime. The setting is a bustling train station where a protagonist—depicted with a metaphorically "ever-exploding head"—discovers an old newspaper. This object serves as a portal, transporting the viewer into a series of intertwined vignettes constructed from newspaper clippings and pastel drawings. Through this unique stop-motion aesthetic, the narrative juxtaposes the stark reality of the war in Ukraine with scenes of ordinary life, showing people walking dogs, dancing, and striving for normalcy despite the chaos surrounding them.

The film is widely recognized for its powerful exploration of resilience and the human spirit. Leliukh, who studies at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne, uses the "comma" as a symbolic representation of a pause rather than a full stop, suggesting that life continues even in the midst of catastrophe. The project has garnered significant acclaim on the international festival circuit, including screenings at the San Francisco International Film Festival and the DC Independent Film Festival, where it was praised for its ability to visualize the disjointed yet persistent nature of existence for those living through conflict.

Watch the making-of video for Comma, created by Anja Korman: