A Thief's Legacy - Calarts Short film 2022

A film by Sinai Hwang
-Insta (@sinaihwang)
-Twitter (@ssinaeganda7)
Composer - Mate Satalich
Sound Designer - Hafeed Jraybee
Rachael Chau as Cassie
Stevie Rose as The old lady
Watch other films made by my classmates:
• 2022 CalArts Character...
#Calarts

[@dnpanimationstudio382]

I liked the part where she saw the maid as herself younger. It’s clear she sees a bit of herself in her and doesn’t want her to make the same mistakes.

[@aRAf7382]

1k like

[@dnpanimationstudio382]

@@aRAf7382 awesome

[@benbayford1756]

The old lady only started stealing because she was hungry. Then it became an obsession. Cassie only started stealing to pay off debts. The same thing could happen to her.

[@toast_2375]

Kleptomania, like most manic disorders, happens once it's kicked in. For example, my Dermatillomania only started when I picked at a scab for the first time. Soon I became obsessed with smooth skin, so now I pick at my nails, finger tips, and skin.

[@danitho]

@@toast_2375 Don't think it's quite that simple.

[@roronoazoro8626]

@@toast_2375 Don't think it's quite that simple.

[@xxstar-bluesxx]

@@toast_2375 That's not even close.

[@val3454]

I like how the ending scene symbolizes that she either chose freedom by looking out of the window at the sky and hearing the birds or she chose living as a thief because she was looking through a gated window that resembled prison bars. I love ambiguous endings

[@thebadtimecat]

I suppose we won’t know whether or not she decided to start her life as a thief or not, but that’s up to the viewer to decide. Beautiful story telling ^v^

[@onestepatatime158]

900 likes no comment

[@dhakabd7293]

@@juliaoh7 980 likes 3 comments

[@physicslover4951]

@@dhakabd7293 1000 likes 4 comments

[@star_stone3068]

@@physicslover4951 1,200 likes 5 comments

[@dnpanimationstudio382]

What started off as just for a tough circumstance(pay debt, get food) became an addiction, an unsatisfied thrill that left nothing but regret in the end. It’s so easy to fall into a dark place, some only realizing until it’s too late.

[@dnpanimationstudio382]

I like how Cassie covers the old lady when she passes. At the end, Cassie genuinely had respect for her. Perhaps that's why the Old Lady wanted to warn her

[@carrot7868]

This is cool! I like how you used the ilghts to set the atmosphere: when she steals the ring, the lights are red, giving the scene a sinister tone. When she talks with the woman, the light is green, giving the scene an anxious and dreadful feeling. When the woman remembers her past, the lights are neon-bright at some point, making the scene sinister and loud at the same time, but then they eventually dull out and turn gray. At the end the lights turn blue-ish and light, kind of like a morning light or that of a sunset. That together with the silence gives a feeling of conclusion: as if a whole day or night have past and, like the story, came to an end. I also liked the woman's voice acting, the coughs legit made me uncomfortable. I also like the unique art style! While the old woman has a lot of sharp angles, the maid is very round (except for her kinda pointy ponytale and bangs.) Hovewer, the writing felt off. The dialogue just didn't feel like one that will actually happen in a scenario like that. "I saw all the things you stole.. Including the diamond ring" - I think the part with the diamond ring kind of took away the tension of the situation, the woman also repeated "i saw all the things you stole" a lot. "it won't happen, since I'm also a thief like you" it was already established that she's a thief, I think there's no need to mention it twice. Overall, the dialogue often seems too specific. Well done! :D

[@iyannamarie4131]

Well damn you pay attention to details

[@lizzieorlowski3152]

I felt the same way. But it's also possible that a dying old lady would repeat herself a lot. Wonderful story otherwise! 🥰

[@carrot7868]

@@lizzieorlowski3152 huh, now that I think about it, it makes sense. She was on her deathbed, after all.

[@carrot7868]

@@iyannamarie4131 I like to think about the thought process behind animation and art. It's interesting. :D

[@merakiedits8799]

Ohhh! Man awesome clear detailing observation you have(I appreciate that 👏👏) are you an animator? 🤔

[@eviolite299]

This is touching and incredible Edit: The animation and voice acting reminded me of over the garden wall

[@bam9609]

I love stories that leave the ending up to the viewer’s interpretation. This one was exactly that. Not knowing whether Cassie would go through with stealing the old woman’s jewelry I think is better than knowing. Seeing the pained expressions on her face as she contemplates her next move at the end was the perfect touch. Does she pay off her debts or does she go through with her plans? Will it be a one time thing or will she end up like the old woman? I also liked the use of shadow to portray a character’s innocence. I’m not sure if this was intentional but when the story starts out, Cassie is in the light and the old woman is in the shadows. As Cassie cleans the house and picks the jewelry, she becomes more and more in the shadows, delving deeper and deeper into darkness. When the old woman confronts her, Cassie is the one in the darkness with the old woman slightly illuminated by the lamp. When we flash back to the old woman’s past, she starts out illuminated by the storefront, but as she runs from the law she falls into shadow, like the dark and decrepit manor. And when the old woman dies, Cassie is fully lit up by the morning sun, illuminated on the choices she has. Amazing job on the storytelling, not to mention the gorgeous animation and backgrounds!!!

[@gisellechausse5261]

Nice observation with the shadows! It's almost like it's meant to give an open-ended indication of the maid's innocence. She now has a second chance to do the right thing and give back the jewelry on principle. But will she keep her new-found innocence or risk losing it again? Will she pay off her debts the honest way, or take a gamble at a stealing addiction?

[@claragemheart581]

You’re really good at picking up the details!!

[@sinai3401]

Hey everyone! It's been like a year since I've uploaded this film. I'm checking all of your comments and feedback. Thank you so much for appreciating this film. At this point, whenever I rewatch this film, sometimes I feel there are still many things that could have been changed and revised. When I was producing this film, I wanted to depict Cassie's background which could have shown why she eventually became such a sneak thief. And also about the old lady's past. 6:22 length was short to describe these two character's interesting backgrounds, so I was quite struggling to shrink down most of their story haha.. Anyway, thanks again to all the ppl who gave me pep talk, advice, and good comments. I know I haven't uploaded new films recently but I'm planning to produce more short films such as animated music videos in the near future. Will come back soon! Follow me on Insta / Twitter(I know it's X now.. but🤣) if you are interested in my artwork..!: instagram.com/sinaihwang/ twitter.com/ssinaeganda7

[@bleh329]

Amazing work. Can’t wait to see more.

[@thinthle]

Moving story. Especially loved the detailed intricate backgrounds and use of perspective with colour and light to set the mood.

[@optimistic_cynic]

I love LOVE that reveal and homage to the title. "Miss Business Associate" has a nice ring to it, by the way.

[@SnowyCloudzOfficial]

"Are you going to run away...with the things you stole?" Fav part oml 1:56

[@gisellechausse5261]

The old lady remarking she can't used her plundered riches to afford a better home or a trip to the doctor feels like a similar conundrum with being invisible: you think it means you can do whatever you want, but you can't really steal, or you'll give yourself away

[@seyoungjang9318]

What a fantastic work!!! 💛🌟💕💕

[@tacobellabeanburrito]

i love it at this time when all these short films come out. it's so cool and one of my favorite pastimes.

[@mogchoji]

I love everything about this. The story’s structure is so well put together, it’s everything I’d think about a short to be. Keep up the good work!

[@paytonharmon6602]

A very sobering and truthful short film. Showing wonderfully the sad consequences of letting greed control your life. You can simple never satisfy greed, you will always desire for more.

[@k.t.7507]

man, you just have to love short films. They are just great.

[@wheelyoats5130]

All animators need paid more. Give this guy some credit man!

[@hannahong]

this is so underrated i can’t believe this has less than 5k views

[@meatgraffiti]

the music is amazing in this

[@Toastrz97]

Thank you! :D

[@ari-vz1nd]

Oh my god these backgrounds are so pretty!!!

[@Daisthedaisy]

Absolutely beautiful Splendid work Basically amazing

[@victoriapulcifer6218]

Nah sis you got debt!!! Paying it off a dead lady's goods doesn't make you a lifetime kleptomaniac 😤😤😤

[@blythetaylor4063]

It is sort of an endless cycle. Most people who do well do so because they take up a mindset where they believe they deserve it, and others are fine. We might justify taking advantage of a privileged person “because they’re privileged” and that very same person used that very same mindset to get where they are. They thought about their own hardship and struggle and made excuses why for others it doesn’t matter as much. When we make it we’ll be taken advantage of by people like us. Isn’t it interesting?

[@bambootriangle]

I think if she pawned off the goods in some jewelry shop they could get eventually recognised as stolen goods, thus starting her life with police searching for her. It's not kleptomania the old lady died from but from living outside the law

[@projectz1363]

Since it's not set in stone if she becomes a thief or not I'd like to come up with my own ending I like to imagine that she maybe took the house? Maybe saying an old aunt or grate aunt gave it to her in exchange for taking care of her in the end? Somehow sold off most of the stuff, covered her debts and started an honest life Maybe she highers other young women and tells them about her "aunt" and helps them turn their lives around I'm in a hopeful mood so I've made a hopeful ending for her

[@thrownaway6020]

Wonder if it was the asbestos or arsenic in all those green decoration that ended up poisoning her over the years.

[@embalmertrick1420]

I think it was her smoking habit

[@imainsaneweeb]

Downright awesome animation it’s just has a feel that I can’t explain how I felt while watching this.

[@sumincho7609]

the scariest thing about this film is that it can happen in real life

[@ilikemetoo3088]

The story the animation the conversation between characters It just tell a lot

[@trevor_mason_reed]

Nicely done! Wonderful story and designs!

[@bambootriangle]

Awesome animation!! an unique idea and story repeating itself, great work!

[@scavhub5006]

Great work, great story, was very enjoyable to watch (and in some moments uncomfortable)

[@Viktor_Git]

Your work is awesome!

[@claragemheart581]

This is my favorite short. Rewatched this 5 times!

[@kenny2170]

amazing work!

[@cardboardcreationsart]

Love it! This was so good

[@cabipapcbc6602]

Amazing short film!

[@mariana2772]

Awesome and a true lesson for the world

[@fafa4087]

Love the animation I felt like your work was underrated for how it looked

[@killz.-]

This is criminally underrated

[@mortalclown3812]

Very nice work. I'd love to hear kid's take on this morality tale - one that's also a mortality tale. May your muse continue to illuminate your path. ☆

[@joyyang7388]

great story! makes me think again,,

[@LucyLeigut]

Great storytelling!

[@mslittlegoodytwoshoes]

I like how in the end we don't really know what she did with the good she stole

[@bleh329]

This is awesome and deserves so much more love!

[@Aoi_chan1.0]

Can't wait to see this video again in some years later 😃

[@soumyasukumaran6066]

Does anyone noticed that maid doesn't have a nose but an arc at the place of it😅

[@andrewsharpe2587]

I thought at the end that perhaps she would try to return all the stolen goods. But I guess we'll never know.

[@natanrony2805]

oh my! thatawesome!

[@ChaotikBabe]

I hope she don't think her last paycheck is gonna support her on her new job search. Besides, the items are already stolen. Maid better turn those goods into some good and make a better life for herself. If she was a klepto, she would've stolen for the thrill, instead she's stealing because obviously that old woman didn't pay her enough to get out of debt. Stealing for that reason is usually a one off, contrary to what people would like to believe.

[@fricka4798]

love the backgrounds man

[@leoncarification]

I love it! good job!

[@bimbamjam]

I like to think the old woman left her entire estate to the maid.

[@visalakshik.raman.6278]

Is the old woman's Past the same as the young woman's Future?! It is said, "Set a thief to catch a thief! " Their minds work in the exact same manner. 🤭

[@mayaveliz2465]

Great!

[@NICKARRIOLA16]

3:19: AHHHHH, GETTING OLD OBVIOUSLY!!!!!!!!!!!! AND OF COURSE A THIEF CANNOT GO TO A HOSPITAL!!!!!!!!!!!

[@yahko2147]

So underrated!!

[@nightmare348]

That was a depressing beauty of a film

[@BrandonBreakfast]

HOW DOES THIS ONLY HAVE 39k VIEWS WHAT?

[@kellyheredia4673]

This is so beautiful animation I love the background

[@jodytala4641]

Hi,I’m new in animation and want to do a project is 6 min to long for a starter ?

[@Josuh]

depends, maybe you could do a storyboard

[@Londibunni]

6 min is pretty long for starting, I agree with @Yoh , you could do a storyboard animation, but I'd recommend a shorter one

[@yohannapsalmdelosreyes3196]

Why are cal arts short animated films be hitting different?...Dope work by the way

[@retrobabyNEWGROUNDS]

Are you alive, Sinai I animating your characters in war. With everyone's characters saving multiverse too sinai. :'(

[@leticia46902]

for a moment I stood confused if the maid's nose was really her nose or her mouth at 1:10 time 👁️👄👁️

[@Jeminix2]

Unrelated but the background art is absolutely stunning

[@saadfadel924]

Great work 👍🏼👍🏼

[@unicornfront9300]

How my teacher describes people who steal pencils in class:

[@Gone._.]

This is epic

[@slug_boi6262]

Love it

[@jakubdomanski6477]

Wow, that's really good

[@user-dv2wb7we3s]

애니 느낌 쩐다

[@patriotgrimmkristogrimm5510]

Epic.

[@nishh._]

Wohhh... 😌😌

[@jugandoclasicos]

Man was really awesome this animation I hope You make more

[@zoe3309]

ouch :( this hurt really bad. good job on the concept and animation though

[@user-su4ry5gn3e]

I personally like the design you made for the thief. Her hairstyle is just what I would imagine for a female thief.

[@valbain209]

This is strange and at the same time haunting.

[@koolkafe]

🚀🌙❤

[@Black-boi21]

Thers so many great animators in the world

[@rossmarshall3906]

Sinai; I love this short. The animation is Okay. Now, the Backgrounds are amazing! If I could know how you did the BG's, please let me know. yes, the characters are cute. They work fine. Maybe later on, the animation can be smoothed out a bit more. otherwise the layout and posing tells the story. ROSS (An old retired animator).

[@AymenZero]

this is underrated

[@L.E.K]

That is dark man

[@kwingle]

A kleptomaniac.. don’t see those too often

[@Azanitt]

I like how there was an open ending to it. I think it's the right move to let us decide what we ourselves would've done, instead of just showing the character's choice being made

[@codyjones8153]

What happens to Cassie after that?

[@sebastianmichael5819]

I was sure it was placed in a historical setting, caught me off guard when I saw the security cameras lol

[@sseroo8812]

RANSACK THAT PLACE GIRL MAKE A BAG!!!! Pay off that debt and bounce,,,,

[@rasi3625]

oh my...

[@veggietales1185]

*CHOICES*

[@abdelones]

Other short films

[@STRTFM]

Hope she took the stuff. The cycle never stops. It just starts again.

[@emeraldfury2152]

Brilliant animation! 10/10

[@cutslight]

Dear,Sinai I am writing to request your permission to use your video Animation in order to create a dubbed version in Thai language. As you may know, your video has gained a significant following among Thai fans, and I believe that creating a Thai language version of your video would be an excellent way to reach even more viewers in Thailand. I would like to clarify that the purpose of the dubbed version would be solely for non-commercial purposes, and the video would be posted on a social media platform. I am confident that this project would not only provide entertainment to Thai fans but also promote your content to a broader audience. I assure you that I will give full credit to your original video and will not modify any part of it except for adding the Thai language audio track. Additionally, I will comply with any copyright and intellectual property laws regarding your video and will ensure that the dubbed version is taken down if any issues arise. If you agree to this request, I would be grateful if you could provide me with a written agreement that grants me the permission to create the dubbed version of your video. I am looking forward to hearing back from you soon. Thank you for considering my request. Sincerely, Cutslight

[@user-vo9ti6ef5j]

Круэлла в старости...🤭

[@nukonime7894]

nice

[@keiroty7187]

Sad

[@Milkshakist]

All I've ever done was steal from thyself. Time to Give back!

[@passive2713]

هل يمكن توفير ترجمة عربية Is it possible to provide an Arabic translation?

[@ANISH-117]

every one scare before crime