Awareness Film Festival - 《不存在的妳 Dear Anima》
After she left him as a child, he drew her day after day…
Her departure haunted him every single night
Until one night… she came out of a painting
And his life started to change…
“Anima” is a psychology term for the feminine principle, especially as present in men. Male’s dream love often comes from this image.
Also, in Latin, “Anima” means “Soul” .
Interview with Writer/Director Robin Lu Shieh
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you so much! “Dear Anima” was my senior graduation project. When I first thought of it, I just wanted to try combining live action with 2D animation, something a bit different for the last year in college. But as the concept developed, the story and concept became something else that actually turned out pretty well.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
“Dear Anima” is a short film without any language, only motion pictures with music. And I think it is a story that everyone can somehow relate to.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Love, Career, Appearance, Dream… there is always something that we imagine what it should be like, but in reality is often different. This kind of feeling can be both personal and universal.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
In the beginning, the main concept of the story is actually about the relationship between a creator and his/her creation. But as we discussed over and over again, the story became more focused on imagination and reality.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
There are people who think “Dear Anima” is a really beautiful and touching story, with some creative and philosophical thoughts. However, there are also people (who also liked the film), that think the setting is not old enough.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
We were surprised by how much positive feedback we’ve got. It’s really a huge encouragement for all of our crew members.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
“Dear Anima” is a film with a different ending for everyone. The more audiences who’ve watched it, the more versions of “Dear Anima” will exist in everyone’s heart. We hope that everyone can find their own meaning in their own version of “Dear Anima”.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We are currently looking for film festivals and people who are interested in screening and buying the film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
As long as people can find their own meaning for the film, “Dear Anima” has done its job.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
If you can chosoe to live in a perfect fantasy where you can’t touch anything or a miserable reality that can be touched, which one will you choose?
Would you like to add anything else?
No, Thank you :)
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We haven’t decided yet, but we think we will make something happier next time :) !
Interview: October 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Dear Anima
Length: 07:25
Director: Robin Lu Shieh
Producer: Tsai Yi Shan
Writer: Robin Lu Shieh
About the writer, director and producer:
Writer/Director Robin Lu Shieh is currently studying at Taiwan University of Arts, Department of Radio and Television.
Producer Tsai Yi Shan graduated from Taiwan University of Arts, Department of Radio and Television in 2016.
Key cast: Tseng Tzu Ting, Pai Hsin Ping, Chen Tai Zhong, Liu Gui Lian, Li Jia Xing, Chiu Yu Hsuan
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Buyers, Film Festival, Journalists.
Funders: Robin Lu Shieh, Tsai Yi Shan, Tat Chi Lee
Made in association with: National Taiwan University of Arts
Release date: June 2016