Brussels-based illustrator Cécile Cuny has collaborated with the Evoca Foundation and Giga initiative to create "Close the Gap," an animated short film addressing the global gender digital divide. Released to commemorate International Day of the Girl earlier this month, the project highlights the stark reality that 122 million girls worldwide are currently out of school, while nine out of ten adolescent girls in low-income countries lack internet access - a rate twice lower than their male counterparts.
The collaboration began when Pandora Haydon from the Evoca Foundation discovered Cuny's work featured on It's Nice That. "They had seen my work featured on It's Nice That, and I think both the name of my universe [Girlsandparks] and the world I've built resonated with them. We talked about the project, and we clicked!" Cuny explained. The Evoca Foundation focuses on education, climate action, and supporting women and girls, while Giga is an initiative dedicated to connecting every school to the internet globally.
For Cuny, whose artistic universe centers around girls and overlooked moments, the project represents more than just creative work - it's a political statement. "For me, focusing on them is already a way to give them space, to show that they exist and deserve to be seen," she noted. "By telling their stories, I want to show something different from the perspectives that traditionally hold power." The film reframes the digital divide not as an unfortunate reality but as a call to action, positioning safe and affordable internet access as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
The visual language of "Close the Gap" draws heavily from Cuny's fascination with retro anime and the concept of magical girls. "I've always loved the idea of the magical girl: that sense of independence and radiance young girls have when they discover their powers," she said. "With this video, I was aiming for something pop, dreamy and magical, with visuals that feel fresh and intriguing. I wanted to bring a sense of wonder and softness." This aesthetic choice reflects her broader artistic philosophy of finding magic in overlooked details and moments.
A signature element of Cuny's work is her use of personified objects, a technique that adds emotional depth to her storytelling. "I like seeing a kind of soul in objects," she observed. "And giving life to them allows for more emotional storytelling and playful staging. I'm a collector of cute, personified objects myself, and I especially love it when something that isn't meant to have eyes suddenly does. It instantly becomes more endearing, allowing us to project feelings onto inanimate things and notice and care about what might otherwise seem insignificant."
Balancing playful elements with serious subject matter requires careful consideration in Cuny's creative process. "My creative process is quite instinctive, like a small recipe," she explained. "I try to adjust the balance between playfulness and cuteness, depending on the message I want to share. Sometimes I include more neutral or serious expressions, or more detailed, painterly scenes to contrast with lighter, more naïve moments." She chose animation specifically for its emotional resonance and ability to convey feelings that static illustration cannot capture.
"To me, it's a way to express emotions that I sometimes struggle to convey through still illustration," Cuny reflected. "We live in a digital world where moving images have such a strong impact. Movement creates magic: it's immersive and emotionally powerful from my own perspective." This immersive quality proves particularly effective when communicating abstract concepts like digital equity, allowing viewers to feel the problem rather than simply observe it.
Despite the wonder infused in her work, Cuny maintains a realistic perspective on digital access complexities. "The internet can be both wonderful and harmful," she acknowledged. "I'm very aware of how addictive it can be, and how easily young people can be exposed to dangerous or unhealthy content. It's a complex space." However, this awareness strengthens rather than weakens her commitment to the cause.
"I still believe that everyone should have the right to connect," she reasoned. "Because beyond the risks, the internet also offers incredible possibilities: to learn, to see new perspectives, to discover other cultures, and to find inspiration beyond one's immediate environment. It allows people to build their own identity, to find communities and emotional connection, especially for those who might feel isolated in real life."
The core message Cuny hopes to convey through the film aligns with her broader artistic mission. "I want to give girls a sense of wonder, empowerment, and inspiration," she explained. "In my own small way, I hope to bring them a bit of magic, to let them see images and symbols they might not usually have access to. I want the film to feel like a little story they can simply enjoy, even beyond its campaign purpose. Because sometimes, the simplest stories carry the biggest dreams."
Building on the momentum from "Close the Gap," Cuny is expanding her storytelling universe with new projects. "I'm currently finishing my first illustrated children's book, which will be released in September 2026," she revealed. "Like Close the Gap, it follows a young girl surrounded by her personified imaginary friends. Alongside that, I'm developing my work in animation, and keep building my creative world, Girlsandparks, and Close the Gap fits perfectly within it; it feels like real encouragement for what's to come."
