Miles Morales struggles to balance his responsibilities as a teenager, friend, and student while acting as Brooklyn’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

Sony Pictures Animation, in collaboration with the Kevin Love Fund, releases the groundbreaking animated short film, “The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story,” as part of a new mental health awareness initiative. This genre-bending thriller follows the journey of Miles Morales, Brooklyn’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, as he grapples with the challenges of adolescence while battling anxiety. Developed and produced through Sony Pictures Animation’s Leading and Empowering New Storytellers (LENS) program, the film aims to shed light on the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help when needed.

In a bold move, big studios like Sony Pictures Animation are venturing into short film format, using iconic brands to tackle important social issues. “The Spider Within” is a product of the inaugural year of the LENS program, which provides candidates from underrepresented groups with leadership training and the opportunity to create original short films. Directed by Jarelle Dampier and written by Khaila Amazan, the film underscores Sony Pictures Entertainment’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Through this initiative, participants gain valuable experience in various aspects of animated filmmaking, including production design, animation, visual effects, and sound. “The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story” serves as a powerful reminder that even superheroes like Miles Morales face inner struggles, and reaching out for help is a courageous act in itself.