Cicada Clouds
CICADA CLOUDS is a semi-autobiographical animated film revisiting a childhood memory involving a cicada. It is an introspective visual poem attempting to reconcile the often naïve and careless actions of boyhood with the larger-than-life truths of nature, through the lens of a fifth-grade boy. Inspired by this magical realism and Matsuo Bashō's poem "The cry of the cicada", CICADA CLOUDS isn't a search for answers, but rather a timeless reflection of deeper appreciation for life's inexplainable yet wonderous moments.
Written & Directed by Dennis Tae Wook Kim | Composer: Yiyang Zhou
Voice Acting by June Yoon & Claire Kim | Re-recording Mix & Sound Design by Tyrelle Massey & Tyrelle Sound | Yiyang Zhou
Animation & VFX, Background Art, Compositing, Modeling, Rigging by Dennis Tae Wook Kim
Audio Post-production by Overlap Studio | Music Performance & recording by Stefano & Federico Tiero, Doublesharp Production
Violin1 by Alina Maria Tasolovan | Violin 2 by Isabella Mastroeni | Viola by Leony Delgado | Cello by Giulia Sanguinetti
Mountain Dance
A traveller on a mountain path is caught by a group of trickster spirits. The spirits hand the traveller a dice with the letter 'death' on half the sides and the letter 'life' on the other. He is to roll the dice, and if it lands on life, he can safely cross the mountains. If the dice land on death, he must dance with them forever. The traveller throws the dice, unsure whether he will live to continue his life or join the spirits in his death.
Film by Selina Baek | Composer by Yiyang Zhou
Jonas And The Sea
The 12-minute long film tells the story of Jonas, a boy who decided early on in life that there was but one place on earth he wanted to be: the sea. Jonas doesn’t strive to merely be observing it, neither would he be happy to just swim in it, no, Jonas really wants to be a part of it. He spends all of his time combing the beach for items he could use to build his outlandish inventions which he hopes will transport him into a new life amongst the fish. As time goes on and Jonas becomes an older man, he ultimately has to face up to the fact that sadly time is running out for him to make his dream come true…
Film by Marlies Van Der Wel | Re-composition by Yiyang Zhou
Swallow Dance
"Swallow Dance" is a sincere and honest culmination of themes centered around the experience of letting go. It is a visual expression of vulnerability, sacrifice, and union inspired by Japanese films, Claude Monet, and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's "The Little Prince". The film is an attempt to understand what the act of 'healing' means for me and growing into my own self-worth, leading to this fantastical visual metaphor for emerging out of my shell with the imaginary guidance of a higher power. With this swallow dance, I release the full sincerity of my open heart.
Film by Dennis Tae Wook Kim | Composer by Yiyang Zhou | Lead Actor by Saori Nishihara | Illustrator by Yusaku Munakata
Dad, Where'd You Go?
A young girl named Lila, accompanied by the Liu family, explores the bustling streets of Shanghai on a motorcycle in search of her father. Along the way, Lila is captivated by the vivid sights and sounds of the city, from the cooking of Chinese street food to the drying of laundry on the streets.
Film by Sasha Devillers | Arranger & Sound Design by Yiyang Zhou | Sound Design: Marvin Li
Original Song 春风吻上了我的脸 by Min Yao | Lyrics in loving memory by Dieyi Chen | Singer by Elaine Du |
Destiny
It is an unforgettable moment that has lived in the southernmost natural spiritual city in the world - Hobart. A wonderful memory plays an animation re-scoring piece "DeSTiNY" with the University of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music, the conservatorium orchestra.
Film by Fabien Weibe | Re-composition by Yiyang Zhou
Orchestra by University of Tasmania Conservatorium Orchestra
