A New Brunswick-based animator is channeling personal experience into a creative project aimed at shedding light on mental health. Brian Finlay, the founder of Toon Dojo, is currently developing an animated short film set in Saint John that explores themes of anxiety.
Bringing Personal Struggles to the Screen
The project, reported on January 10, 2026, represents a deeply personal endeavor for Finlay. By choosing Saint John as the backdrop, he grounds the universal experience of anxiety in a familiar Canadian maritime setting. The film aims to visualize the often invisible internal struggles associated with mental health, using the medium of animation to convey complex emotions in an accessible and impactful way.
The Creative Hub: Toon Dojo
Finlay operates out of his studio, the Toon Dojo, which serves as the creative engine for this and other projects. This initiative highlights the growing trend of using artistic expression, particularly animation, to address serious social and personal issues. The short film format allows for a focused narrative that can resonate deeply with audiences, potentially opening doors for wider discussions about mental wellness in communities across Canada and beyond.
Animation as a Tool for Mental Health Advocacy
This project underscores the powerful role local artists can play in health advocacy. By tackling the subject of anxiety, Finlay joins a broader movement of creators who are destigmatizing mental health conversations through art. The decision to set the story in Saint John not only adds a layer of authenticity but also celebrates local Canadian landscapes within a narrative of internal challenge and resilience.
The development of this short film is a notable addition to the cultural and health dialogue within New Brunswick. It demonstrates how creative industries can contribute meaningfully to public understanding of critical issues, using storytelling to foster empathy and awareness around the common yet often isolating experience of anxiety.
