A Bold New Era for Australian Animation

Lesbian Space Princess: A Cosmic Leap in Australian Animation

South Australia is making history with its first animated feature, Lesbian Space Princess. Directed by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese, this sci-fi comedy splashes across screens with vibrant visuals and catchy tunes. It’s designed for adults, with humor sharp enough to slice through the universe.

Princess Saira, a bashful royal from Clitopolis, embarks on a cosmic quest. Her mission? Rescue an ex-girlfriend from the grips of the Straight White Maliens. The mischievous voices of comedy trio Auntie Donna bring these antagonists to life, adding a humorous twist.

A Milestone in Animation

Emma Hough Hobbs, who’s also the lead animator, highlights the film’s significance. "Australian animated features are rare, especially in South Australia. Being the first in Adelaide is a big deal," she states. The film marks a pivotal point in the region’s animation narrative.

Her counterpart, Varghese, also reflects on their groundbreaking endeavor. "We wanted something fresh, beyond the typical. Adult animation comedies aren’t common here. Creating this was an exciting challenge," she remarks. They envisioned a new world, and the film certainly delivers.

Crafting a Galactic Journey

Hough Hobbs and Varghese shared responsibilities meticulously. Hough Hobbs led the animation crew; Varghese perfected the edit. Varghese fondly describes their collaboration. "Emma was my guide. Her animation insights shaped the vision. Her influence was powerful," she recalls.

Their team was lean—just two full-time animators and two part-time background artists. Despite a tight budget, their creativity thrived. Photoshop handled storyboarding, while Toon Boom Harmony brought drawings to life. Constraints became their allies, leading to ingenious solutions.

"Knowing our limits allowed us creativity in animation scale," Varghese explains. Their unique process for backgrounds combined Maya modeling and digital photography, all meticulously drawn in Photoshop. This method achieved flawless perspectives in every scene.

A Bright Future for Australian Animation

Lesbian Space Princess is more than a film; it’s a breakthrough. With unmatched humor, creativity, and representation, it sets a new standard. This animated gem lights the path for future indie projects in South Australia.

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