Marsha Swanson’s music videos are making the rounds at film festivals across the globe, proving that the marriage of music and visual storytelling can find audiences far beyond traditional music video platforms. Her video “Like an Angel” received an honorable mention at the New York Short Animation Festival, a recognition that places her work among some of the most creative animated content being produced today.
The New York Short Animation Festival has become a destination for animators and visual artists looking to push boundaries and experiment with form. An honorable mention at the festival signals that Swanson and her collaborators are doing something noteworthy with the medium. The video for “Like an Angel” uses animation to create a visual landscape that complements the song’s themes, offering viewers an experience that goes beyond simply watching a performance.
Earlier in the year, “In Touch” was screened as an official selection at the Portobello Film Festival’s 30th anniversary celebration in London. The Portobello Film Festival, which takes place in the vibrant Notting Hill neighborhood, has spent three decades championing independent filmmakers and artists who create outside the mainstream. Being selected for their milestone 30th anniversary programming put Swanson’s work in front of London audiences and festival programmers who appreciate boundary pushing creative work.
Most recently, “Generational Transmission” has been named an official selection at the New York Films Screening Festival. This marks the second festival selection for this particular video, which has clearly struck a chord with festival programmers. The video, created in collaboration with longtime visual partner Sam Chegini, showcases the innovative visual work that has become a hallmark of Swanson’s releases.
Chegini has worked with Swanson on multiple projects, developing a visual language that feels consistent across her body of work while still allowing each piece to have its own identity. The collaboration between musician and visual artist has created something that feels more like a true partnership than the typical director for hire relationship that characterizes many music videos. Each project builds on the last, with both artists pushing each other to try new approaches and techniques.
The festival recognition highlights how Swanson’s approach to combining music with compelling visuals is resonating with audiences and programmers worldwide. In an era where music videos often feel like afterthoughts or simple promotional tools, Swanson is treating the form as an opportunity to create something that stands on its own as a piece of art. The fact that film festivals, not just music video competitions, are recognizing her work suggests that she’s succeeding in that mission.