Synopsis:
"Captive" is a 2D animation that takes its cue from animals exhibiting stereotypical behaviors in zoos. Utilizing red and blue filters, it contrasts the physiological and psychological states of animals in captivity. This animation subtly reveals the mental struggles of animals, urging a greater focus on their mental well-being and the conditions of their living environment.
Credits:
Director and Animator - Dengyun Zhang
Music and Sound - Louis Relf
Director’s statement:
The animation "Captive" voices the plight of animals demonstrating stereotypical behaviors in zoos. Limited activity space or unsatisfactory social living conditions may lead animals to exhibit monotonous, rhythmic, and meaningless behaviors. Inability to express intentions through cries or roars, they resort to simplistic body language in protest and struggle - pacing, walking in circles, self-grooming to the point of harm, or even head-banging. Elephants, with their massive size and limited actions, may be hard to notice when they fall into such behaviors. Felines, particularly tigers, ad such behaviors, making them apt representatives for this exploration. The blue pattern in the animation portrays the animal's actual repetitive behaviors, restoring their appearance in human eyes in an objective existence. The red pattern expresses - shattered, frenzied, helpless, or even desperate. By comparing the subjective and objective, reality and imagination, I aim to highlight the severity of stereotypical behaviors. The significance of any form of life does not lie in being perceived by others as a mere source of amusement. Zoos are not places to pay to watch animals, but places to learn to view animals and understand them as much as possible.
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