B12. Best Animation (Nominee)
WANTED
From Lonna Khuu
A mechanical boy marked as a fugitive stumble into an unsuspecting toy shop, run by an eccentric toymaker who sees past his exterior, where he finds a sense of belonging among the discarded and rebuilt.
Hi! My name is Lonna Khuu, along with my co-creator of the film, Emily Sida, we are from Sydney, Australia. Currently studying at University of Technology Sydney (UTS), doing a Bachelor of Creative Production (Honours) program. Our short film ‘WANTED’ was shortlisted for best animation at the AUYFF. This culturally driven short film explores connection that two people have, one human and one inhuman even in a world that rejects the unfamiliar. Combining tension and warmth to highlight the importance that an act of kindness can build an unexpected connection.
What inspired you and your work?
WANTED is a heartfelt exploration of themes surrounding identity and belonging, within the frame of a Sci-Fi fantasy genre. Inspired with the occasional experiences of feeling like the minority while growing up as Vietnamese and Indonesian immigrants in Australia, we wanted to create a short film that reflects the challenges of finding where you fit and embracing your sense of self.
Visually, we were influenced by the rustic, textural quality of WALL-E and Arcane, whose visual storytelling helped shaped the look at atmosphere of the film. Narratively, we drew inspiration from the emotional storytelling arc of Bao, and its ability to communicate cultural experiences. Through WANTED, we hoped to create a film that is both entertaining and that tugs on your heartstrings.