The In Between: Finding Beauty in the Messy Liminal Spaces of Neurodivergence
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a city’s frantic energy meets a mind that works at a different frequency. For many neurodivergent people, the world is rarely a static or quiet place, it is a constant, humming exchange of sensory data, memories, and patterns.
At Plume Films, we have always believed that the best stories aren't found in digital perfection, but in the textures, the frayed edges, and the urgent, handmade details that make us human. This philosophy sits at the very heart of our latest collaboration, The In Between, a documentary that explores the psychogeography of Istanbul through the lens of late-diagnosed neurodivergence.
A Conversation Between Worlds
The In Between is more than just a film, it is a playful, profound conversation. Created by the driving force that is Byron Vincent, a UK artist living with AuDHD, and Turkish architect-academic Elif Simge Fettahoğlu-Özgen, who navigates the world with ADHD, the documentary dives deep into the liminal spaces between neurotypical and neurodivergent worlds.
The project, commissioned by the Unlimited International Open Award 2024 and supported by the British Council, follows the duo through the streets of Istanbul. It examines how landscape, culture, and socio-economic factors intersect with the neurodivergent experience, from the council estates of Northern England to the glistening, distractible beauty of the Bosphorus.
The Art of the Imperfect: Our Animation Process
When Byron approached us for the art direction and animation, we knew we couldn't rely on clean lines or sterile, computer-generated graphics. To represent a mind that is constantly "masking" or experiencing "time weirdness," the visuals needed to feel tactile, raw, and immediate.
Embracing the Collage Aesthetic
We leaned heavily into our signature collage aesthetic. In a world obsessed with 4K clarity, there is something incredibly powerful about a visible scissor cut or a slightly misaligned layer. We purposefully avoided "perfect" cut-outs. We wanted the animation to feel as though it were being assembled in real-time, reflecting a story that simply needs to be told right now.
By smashing together rich textures, we were able to give a physical form to the intangible elements of the narrative. When Byron or Simge speak about the "floating" feeling of being between two worlds, the collage allows us to suspend elements in a way that feels both grounded and ethereal.
Cyanotype Blues and Risograph Rhythms
To deepen the visual language, we experimented with a hybrid style that combined handmade elements with the aesthetic of cyanotype art. The deep, moody blues of cyanotype offer a "punched" white that feels more vibrant and organic than standard digital highlights.
We also layered in risograph textures. For those unfamiliar with the medium, risograph is a printing process known for its grain, its unexpected overlaps, and its vibrant, soy-based inks. By bringing these textures into the digital realm, we avoided that flat, "plastic" look often found in modern animation. This tactile energy mirrors the frenetic streets of Istanbul and the internal landscape of the neurodivergent brain.
Why Artisanal Animation Matters
For our clients and partners, this project serves as a case study in why the "how" of a film matters just as much as the "what." At Plume Films, our artisanal approach isn't just a stylistic choice, it is a strategic one.
Emotional Resonance: Handcrafted visuals bypass the analytical brain and speak directly to the emotions. They feel trustworthy and human.
Unique Brand Identity: In a sea of stock footage and AI-generated content, bespoke animation stands out. It shows a commitment to craft that reflects the quality of the story being told.
Communicating the Complex: Animation allows us to visualize concepts like "masking" or "sensory overload" in ways that live-action simply cannot.
The Premiere: A Relaxed Attention Screening
We are incredibly excited to announce that The In Between will have its world premiere at the Bay International Film Festival on Saturday 31 January 2026.
In keeping with the film’s themes, the screening at More Music, Morecambe, will be a Relaxed Attention Screening. This is a space where there is no side-eye and no shushing. The rear rows are specifically reserved for those who find that multitasking—be it knitting, doodling, or using fidget toys—actually helps them stay present and engaged.
It is a celebration of different ways of being, and we couldn't be prouder to have contributed to such a necessary conversation.
Conclusion: Stories That Need to Be Told
The journey of making The In Between has reinforced our belief that filmmaking is a collaborative act of empathy. Working with Byron, Simge, and the lush synth scores of Sam Wingrave has been a privilege.
Whether we are working on a feature documentary or a brand campaign, our goal remains the same: to craft stories that create a lasting impact. We don't just make films, we build worlds that people can feel.
Want to see how we blend story and craft? Explore our portfolio or get in touch to discuss your next project. We’d love to chat over a cuppa.
