Adult Animation Revolution: CalArts Students Deliver Stunning Graduation Films
by Tito W. James
Lamblands is a CalArts graduation film by Metias Gray about two shipwrecked aliens who find themselves on a planet ruled by mysterious lambs. The animated short film utilizes mixed-media to give the feeling of kid’s drawing while also employing the off-kilter humor of Adventure Time. Overall the short is impressive, surprising, and sticks with the viewer.
In this animated short by Christina Wu follows Four friends play a board game called CAPITALISM! until one player becomes obsessed with winning. The character designs, color palette, and cinematic composition are all really fresh. I love how Wu utilizes Pop-Surrealism to explore each characters relationship to the game.
In The School of Fight by Luke Lee a determined schoolgirl challenges the top fighter in her class to avenge her best friend. The short feels like a lost Edgar Wright film complete with lovable teenagers and martial arts action. I’m always down for seeing more original voices in action cartoons and look forward to whatever Lee makes next.
A Piece of Mine by George Park follows Laon, the granddaughter of NajeonChilgi master Lee Chun-Yeon, is learning the traditional craft from her. When a documentary team arrives to cover her grandmother’s final work before she retires, Laon somehow refuses to be interviewed. The short is high in aesthetic and meditative pathos. Many cartoons overwhelm viewers with noise and color, so its nice to see something more thoughtful.
You can check out more graduation films from CalArts students on YouTube.
