Mamoon – Directed by Ben Steer was a pitch idea for Blue Zoo’s animated shorts program. This brilliant film uses technology in a way that is so very different and unique that its experimental style alone is a reason for watching it. The film is built upon practical sets built from cubes of styrofoam and then using CGI computers the animation is produced using these physical plains. Then the animation is projected onto the styrofoam and filmed at the same time. Nothing like this has been done before in terms of short film production. Yes, artists have been projecting animations onto buildings for years, but never with the idea of making a whole short film out of the practical environment. What Ben Steer has done is revolutionary and by far one of the coolest films we’ve seen in a long time.
The film itself is a tale of a people being wiped out from their world as light is turned off. It almost looks as if there is an invasion of darkness. The only survivors are a mother and her child. They are forced to explore the landscape and find refuge wherever they can. It’s a powerful story which I would guess was inspired by stories of real world events. The wonder and look of the project will captivate you instantly. The film has run the animation film festival circuit and has been nominated for BAFTA’s and won many festival awards. Though this is only one film I must point out that this film will most likely inspire many artist to explore the depths of light and shadow in a practical environment and inspiration is truly what animation should do for us all.
Checkout the film and the making of below:
Mamoon from Blue Zoo on Vimeo.
Making Of Mamoon can be Watched Below:
The Making Of Mamoon from Blue Zoo on Vimeo.
