This is the product of an experimental animation course, using the sand animation medium, by students of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.

 

This particular medium calls for a large box with a translucent window on top and a light source inside. Ordinary sand is placed on top of the box, and by manipulating the density of sand in different areas with one's hands and tools, the light from beneath varies in intensity. A digital camera overhead is used to capture still frames. The light/sand image is adjusted for each frame as is desired. It should also be mentioned that this is done in a darkened room.

 

Sand animation is a lot of fun once you get into it!