On July 31st the internet was graced with a short film that was so heartwarming, it made the world a little brighter. "In a Heartbeat", produced by Beth David and Esteban Bravo of Ringling College of Art and Design, has racked up over 18 million views in less than a week.
I remember seeing a trailer for it a few months ago, on Tumblr and thought that the idea was so pure and adorable. So being able to see the finished project was amazing. If you haven't seen it, the film has been described as a Pixar animated film, about a boy who's heart legitimately pops out of his chest due to the feelings he has for another boy.
Throughout the four minutes and six seconds that the film runs for, it starts out with the nervousness that the boy has over liking another boy and then him trying to hide his feelings by keeping his heart at bay. The middle of the film showcases momentary heartbreak and embarrassment when his heart catches up to his crush and all of his classmates find out and finally the reciprocity of feelings between the two boys at the end.
Although the film is short, the importance it has is gargantuan. Representation for the LGBTQ community in film is crucial in our society, especially for young children who may be trying to figure out who they are. Not only is the representation important, but the film also shows how love between the same gender is normal. It could help a young boy or girl come to terms with their sexuality and help make them feel significant, in a society that doesn't always showcase them as such.
If you have a few minutes please watch this film and help spread love and acceptance to everyone: