Not Man Enough
Not Man Enough, Edi Baramov’s latest project presented during this year's Minerva Graduation Show, is a deeply personal and emotionally charged short film that explores modern masculinity, emotional repression, and mental health. Through a compelling blend of 2D frame-by-frame animation and documentary-style interviews, the film constructs a visual narrative that is both intimate and universally resonant.
Rooted in Edi’s own experiences and observations, the project reflects the often-unspoken emotional turbulence that many men face but rarely articulate. By juxtaposing stylized, expressive animation with the real voices of men sharing their personal opinions and thoughts on the subject ‘What does it Mean to Be a Man?’, Not Man Enough captures the complexity and nuance of male identity in today’s society. Each frame becomes a space where vulnerability and strength coexist—where emotion is not hidden, but revealed with honesty and humanity.
This multidisciplinary approach reflects Edi Baramov’s broader artistic vision, characterized by unorthodox techniques, raw expressiveness, and a distinctive visual aesthetic. His work bridges personal introspection with universal themes, transforming individual stories into opportunities for shared empathy and connection.
More than just a film, Not Man Enough is a statement and a call to action. It seeks to dismantle long-held stigmas around masculinity and mental health, while encouraging a more compassionate, inclusive dialogue. Edi’s intention is to create a safe space for vulnerability—a space where men can recognize that their struggles are valid and that they are not alone.
As viewers engage with the film, they are invited to reflect on their own emotional experiences or consider the silent struggles of the men in their lives. In redefining strength as the courage to be emotionally open, the film offers both solace and solidarity.
Not Man Enough is more than a creative work—it’s an invitation to feel more deeply, to listen more closely, and to support one another more honestly in the ongoing conversation about what it truly means to be a man.