Map Animation

Project Overview

A short documentary-style video designed to make historical facts visually engaging through map-based storytelling and motion graphics.

Our Approach

We used earthy tones to reflect the Torajan people — their culture revolves around nature, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the land. The palette of blues, browns, and warm orange accents kept the visuals grounded and cohesive. The story was structured chronologically, with Sulawesi singled out using a distinct background to remove visual clutter and mark narrative shifts. Curiosity-driven marimba beats carried the rhythm, while subtle musical swells highlighted key moments in the story.

Our Process

The animation was created in After Effects using GeoLayers for dynamic map movement and zooms. We developed a moodboard through Pinterest to refine the visual tone. For the opening timeline animation, we designed a compass-inspired motif — a nod to traditional sea navigation — linking back to the Torajans’ Austronesian heritage as skilled explorers.

Video & Animation: Julius