In Their Own Flesh

An animated documentary and political drama that traces the complex, transnational life of a Kalashnikov through the stories of the fighters who carry it, revealing the invisible power structures that drive war.
“In Their Own Flesh” is a hybrid animated documentary narrated by an unexpected protagonist: a German-produced AK-47 rifle. Told as a war diary, the film follows the weapon’s life from its manufacture during the Cold War through multiple global conflict zones, until its final transformation into a monument of peace. This narrative is enriched with inserts from archive material, which links it to events in global history.

Paper Plane Animation is an independent studio based in Weimar, in the heart of Germany. Founded by Ana Vallejo and Franka Sachse, they craft timeless animated stories from short films to series and features for audiences of all ages, both in Germany and around the world. Driven by a strong artistic vision, their works are brought to life using analog techniques and a commitment to sustainable production.