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The Journeys That Shape Us: Animated Shorts

Journeys take many different shapes and sizes. Some are physical—like treks through harrowing landscapes—and others are emotional—such as working through the rollercoaster of grief. Journeys mold us and our outlook on life. And they are almost impossible to go on entirely alone—there will be friends, family, and strangers along the way in small and large capacities. Travel with these characters through fantastical worlds, various animation styles, and all the joys and sorrows of moving forward toward the next adventure.

Curated by Aiko Hamamoto and David Tanh

In this program


The Legend of the Starlight Beetle

Directed by Mabel Ryu

In a post-apocalyptic world where insects grew big, Bluebell visits places she went in the past to collect fireflies in order to find her friend Willow.

A Shadow’s Glow

Directed by Cole Fourqurean, Josh Mizrahi

In a world where light and shadow are personified, a creature of shadow must journey across his dark homeland to return a young spirit of light back to his home. On his journey, he must battle the elements, his own people, and his instincts as a creature of shadow.

Nuunzaya

Directed by Lan Wang

The story of a Mongolian girl’s struggles and growth against the traditional cultural and marital expectations of Mongolian women. With the support from her grandma and a Birch fairy, Nuunzaya gradually comes to face her own will and emotions and is eventually able to make the decision for herself.

Testimony

Directed by Su Min Ha

After being found alone in an abandoned castle, young Emile is taken to a monastery. He insists his guardian is a vampire named Charlie. A skeptical nun, assigned to interview him, becomes drawn into his vivid story, questioning reality versus imagination.

To the Class of Us

Directed by Veda Lee

On high school graduation day, two friends learn how to say goodbye to the past — and most importantly, to each other.

Detours Ahead

Directed by Esther Cheung

A road trip traces a transition of grief to acceptance through valleys, junctions, and detours. It is a meditation on solitude, and articulates my shifting relationship with place.

A Piece of Mine

Directed by George Park

When a documentary team comes to interview NajeonChilgi master Lee Chun-Yeon, Laon somehow refuses to be interviewed and introduced as a successor of the tradition.

Cold Soda

Directed by Huayi Yu

Your dog is always thinking about you and wants to get you a cold soda.

Lucky Dog

Directed by Ujwal Nair

An Indian dog dreams of immigrating to Canada to be reunited with his owner. But first, he needs a visa.