A short Film to inspire kids to fight cancer with a positive attitude.
Our story begins with a young boy, Otis, blasting through space in his rocket saucer. Everything comes to a screeching halt in an exam room - an ominous x-ray hanging overhead as his mother and the doctor discuss his diagnosis in hushed tones.
The doctor gives him the diagnosis - there are some bad cells growing in his arm. The ever imaginative young Otis immediately chirps in, “Like bad guys?!” What was initially a scary situation suddenly takes on an adventurous quality reminiscent of the classic sci-fi movies that Otis loves.
As the doctor puts him under for surgery, we dissolve into the fantastic world of Otis’ imagination as robotic arms equip him with special armor to fight the evil cancer creatures and protect the world from their alien infection.
As the story unfolds, we find ourselves jolted between the real world and Otis’ imagination, discovering through the process that he is every bit the hero in real life as he is in his imagination.
Made to Inspire.
In 2012 at the age of 16, Blake Derksen was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in his left tibia. Throughout treatment, he used his animation and art as a way to stay positive in his fight against cancer. After overcoming the illness, Blake wanted to share his experience in a way that would give others courage and hope, especially kids in similar situations.
That’s what inspired him to make The Other Space. The purpose of this film is to be a humanizing narrative for patients first, educational second. It is relatable, empowering, and entertaining to patients while raising awareness for others.
“Cancer is something they can't touch, they can't see, so kids often use their imagination to fill in the blanks.”
— James Ball, Child Life Specialist
