Through the power of magnetism, a new animated short film takes its viewers to a snowy Norwegian wood. Instead of ink and paper or even computer graphics, this film uses iron filings as its medium. The film, appropriately titled “Ferro” (derived from ferrous, the Latin for iron), was made by Norte Estudio and employs both familiar and revolutionary technology to craft this 75-second film. You can view the it on Norte’s Vimeo page here. Norte is based in Barcelona, Spain and uses many imaginative methods to create short films as well as advertisements for clients such as Shell, Deutsche Bank, and Audi. According to Norte’s website, “Ferro” is the studio’s first “personal project.” “Ferro” has been described as eerie and even creepy. Perhaps this is due to the Norwegian landscape it depicts or the unusual cast of iron filings. The soundtrack also adds an air of mystery. However, what makes the film truly beautiful is how it uses magnetism to create art. The Film’s Use of Magnetism Taking advantage of iron’s strong magnetic attributes, the filmmakers move magnets over the filings to manipulate the piles into various shapes including trees, mountains, and even boats! With the landscape set, Norte then uses a variation of stop motion-animation to achieve its life-like movement combined with computer-generated images. Unlike their claymation forebears, the filmmakers employed ferrofluid to add subjects such as deer, hummingbirds, and even a grizzly hunting scene--all with the power of magnets! What Is Ferrofluid? Ferrofluid’s magnetic ability has been used for many different purposes since its invention, including electronic devices, some medical applications, and in many visual art projects. However, “Ferro” may be one of the first times it has been used in filmmaking. Invented by NASA in the early 1960’s, ferrofluid was meant to be an additive to rocket fuel because the iron particles could be attracted to the fuel pump with magnets--even in the zero gravity conditions of outer space. Magnetism has many practical and scientific applications. It’s utile nature has proven itself time and time again. However, “Ferro” proves that magnetism can also be employed to create and express. Want to try making your own magnetic movie? Apex has all the supplies you need. Check out our large selection of iron filings and ferrofluid.