Who?

Hey! I’m Molly Flynn Murphy, an artist, filmmaker, and writer. I’m NY born and bred with 10 years experience as an indie animator in LA. These days, I reside in KC, where I split the difference between the Pacific and the Atlantic and teach animation at Kansas City Art Institute.

I got my professional start in animation while living in Seattle. I came across a Craigslist post seeking an animator for an indie documentary called Gameshow Dynamos (2015). I wrote a passionate letter vowing to learn the glorious craft on the job and earned the opportunity to hustle out of retired doctor/burgeoning filmmaker’s basement.

I went on to study at animation at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts where I upped the ante on my animated documentary pursuits and hung around scientists. This led me aboard a 2017 oceanography expedition, making illustrations and films related to the team’s findings on climate change. Since then, I have gone to win awards from The Sloan and Breakthrough Foundations for my films about science.

Because I love type 2 fun I also make films. My 2020 short A Hole joined the collection The Museum of the Moving Image in 2021. My 2021 documentary Dreamer of a Final Theory about Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg was screened and televised from the The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in 2023.

Because I love silliness I also make cartoons and illustrations, some of which have been featured in The Atlantic and The New Yorker and animations have screened at international festivals such as Palm Springs ShortFest (A Hole, writer/director) and SXSW (I’m Fine Thanks for Asking, animator). A Hole is also showcased as part of The Museum of the Moving Image’s collection.

I have even cut my teeth in Hollywood, working ~2 years as an animator and motion capture performer on Barry Jenkins' 2024 Mufasa.

I have many interests and many loves. If I had to choose 3 I’d say they are community, environment, and play.