Monkey Movie

The thick canopy blocks most sunlight, often taken by monkeys higher in the hierarchy. Suddenly, a fallen dead monkey disrupts the darkness. Monkeys gather, including Vervet with a small glass, playing with light. But monkeys higher up block the new ray. While others scatter, Vervet persists, fighting for a spot in the sun. Despite early victories, he realizes he's in over his head.
Monkey Movie is an animation short film by students of ANIM20 at The Animation Workshop. The team worked on the film throughout their studies, and it is now released as part of their graduation in 2024.
A film by:
- Svanna Christiansen - Director/Animator/Story/Storyboard/Production Manager/Background Design/Posing/Character Design
- Robin Eide - Animation Lead/Technical Director/Storyboard/Layout/Compositing/Story
- Frances Nielsen - Animator/Character Design
- Ava Randrianambinintsoa - Compositing Lead/Animator
- Ramona Patané - Concept Art/Colour Script/Background Art/Character Design
- Marianna Wichowska - Compositing/ Background Design /Background Art
- Viggo Uno - Art Director/Animator /Production Manager/ Story/Storyboard/ Character Design
- Sofie Gjengstø - Animator /Production Manager/ Posing/ Compositing/Storyboard
- Chiara Luber - Storyboard Lead/Animator /Layout/ Story
- Sara Gomes - Animator
- Jessica Storbugt - Concept Art /Background Art/Character Design
#animation #studentfilm
Want to know more about The Animation Workshop/VIA University College?
Website: animationworkshop.via.dk
Facebook: / theanimationworkshop
Instagram: animationworkshop
LinkedIn: / the-animation-workshop
Tumblr: theanimationworkshop.tumblr.com/

[@DrococatTheSpooksi]

I love how the beginning and end kinda go together. In the beginning, a monkey falls, bringing in more light. Then, at the end, the other monkey falls and proceeds to bring in more light. It creates a loop effect.

[@zacharybartolo5111]

Eventually, enough fall for the light to shine down on everyone.

[@Maxsteel_4014]

​@@zacharybartolo5111 *The sacrifice of dozens of brave people to shine light for the ones that need it*

[@GlibiettopGringoNorman]

the endless cycle

[@Scapestoat]

Its a cycle. The Rat Race.

[@aarkproductions]

It is very clever, Granted I see a lot of short films attempt to do this same thing, Where we see imagery in the begining and at the end we end up seeing the same thing, Now with greater context from the story, and we're able to see how it's a vicious cycle, I just feel it's over done, like ever single animated short film on KZbin does this and it can range from, Very clever to pretentious, And it's the reason I don't watch art house or indie movies, they're all trying to be artistic and thespian or something, And only few have ever impressed me or do anything I've never thought of before

[@orionsarrow1025]

Im totally overthinking, but I analyze this to be about fame. Saying we’re all monkeys fighting for a chance in the spotlight. Even at the end, the monkey is in the light for 15 seconds, reminding me of the phrase “15 Seconds of Fame”

[@evdrexel5192]

I saw it more as a critique of unorganized protest/revolution and of hierarchical structures. All the monkeys at the bottom long for a better life in the light, but only one has the balls to fight for it, and although the monkey gets pretty far, it ultimately fails because one monkey cannot fight the system that keeps them all in the dark. The monkeys he fought were also disadvantaged compared to those on top of the canopy, but still kept the others beneath themselves, enforcing the very social hierarchy that kept them out of the light. That was just my take, though, and I really liked yours!

[@mymountain22]

Neat thought, I like it

[@mickalinjezerx7104]

​@evdrexel5192 Yep it's weird. We fight so hard to keep others below us.

[@mmm-pc3xe]

It could really just be summed up to "bro thinks hes him"

[@spudbudmorgan]

Monkey john wick

[@rwild9356]

Fantastic character designs. Normally monkeys fall into a kind of uncanny valley for me but these ones have very appealing designs. The animation, the vibes- wish there was more of it! Great work!

[@lynniewood]

A lot of animated monkeys and animals in general are given very human features and go around talking and moving like a humans, which makes them kinda uncanny to me, these guys actually look and move like stylized animals

[@landohundoamigo5122]

Most often in cartoons, monkeys are designed with the same brown fur, peach skinned face and hands, and a prehensile tail. The typical spider monkey/capuchin/chimpanzee with a tail depiction. People seem to forget that there are hundreds of monkey species that come in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. A veritable goldmine of unique, eye-catching designs which this short fully utilizes.

[@SeaSlushi]

@@landohundoamigo5122I love monkeys :D

[@josmamatotaldrama]

Fr

[@CosmosGem]

I agree

[@ameliathestrangecat235]

good grief! monkey violence! jokes aside, this is such an incredible animated story, it never ceases to impress me how well animators can convey a story without a single word of explanation.

[@miriamemanueleforneris3701]

Well, we tecnically are tech monkeys so we all have that violence in common. And yes the animation Is beatiful and Better than many animated series made from official studios

[@fluffybirb4455]

No gore warning ._.

[@insertcleverjoke8383]

​@@fluffybirb4455I mean it's kinda in the thumbnail

[@E3257.StudiosEverythingAwesome]

Tbh should've been a warning.

[@silkyshimmerox5010]

Ive never seen monkey designs so appealing, specially for the protagonist and the big monkey

[@cairao9554]

Short form story telling will never cease to amaze me, so much can be done in under 10 minutes. Absolutely remarkable.

[@cavemanrob]

I feel elements of Tartakovsky. Excellent work!

[@kalebjacobs7505]

Ngl same

[@mariaimpola948]

Same here too. This definitely reminded me of "Primal". Great show!

[@matiasdangelo8628]

Damn, that little monkey could perfectly be Spear's ancestor.

[@Rum-Runner]

Damn I was thinking the exact same thing

[@Murderoreo1]

@@matiasdangelo8628Humans didn’t evolve from monkeys, so no

[@-BabyBingus]

Gosh. I had clicked on the video expecting wholesome animation about monkeys, instead I got an insanely good fight sequence.

[@_kaleido]

This is absolutely stunning, I love the use of colors! the entire thing felt so intense despite the subdued sound and music!

[@starryjune4089]

I love how the story ends where it starts: a monkey fallen from the light. The emotions you can see, where she starts fighting to gain what she thinks is fairly hers, and after she finally wins, broken and battered, but realizes that shes already fought so hard and has to defend her position in the light. And that turn of attitude where it becomes less about being content and more about gain and violence, until she is flung so far that she sees others glistening in the light. It almost seems within reach, but the fall is painful, and familiar. And she falls from the light. Beautiful animation, beautiful storytelling.

[@Vibing_Colors]

Gosh, you worded that so beautifully. What an amazing analysis

[@petejohnes8442]

It's a he

[@Spammgee]

Ive never seen someone capture that same visual story telling beauty that of like Genndy's, Primal. This was such a masterpiece im...im in awe

[@dewmilk7266]

This told a better story in 5 minutes and 31 seconds than any feature length film Disney has put out

[@queentamer9095]

This has to be one of my favorite animated shorts on KZbin. I want to know how the colors shift to something more vibrant and “unnatural” as the main protagonist ascends through the trees. Felt like that really worked to express and exaggerate the emotions running high during the adrenaline rush. I genuinely did not think much of monkeys in animation before, because they were always creatures there just for the cuteness factor or the humor. Here, they’re far more complex. Each is uniquely designed in a way to convey character, like the aggressive protagonist’s spiky hair frills on its head. Each one has a distinct variety of squeaks, chirps and other animalistic sounds, which I found to be particularly interesting. It’s not the stock monkey sounds, it’s uniquely made for this film. Just an absolute masterpiece of a work. Visual storytelling at its best and most brilliant

[@FlumpyTripod]

That's the scariest depiction of gelada I've seen. I love how many monkey species are in this. Great art style

[@Skyypixelgamer]

Wait that was a Gelada? Thought it was like a dienopithecus or something.

[@FlumpyTripod]

@@Skyypixelgamer I suppose it could be. I just assumed gelada

[@Skyypixelgamer]

@@FlumpyTripod I have no clue tbh the size of it may just be for effect and not representing a larger animal. It’s probably a gelada.

[@cheba7185]

BROOO i thought it was something silly until the bloody scene, I was going to comment just "Monkey Movie" but you made me think for a good minute. Huge respect for sound design and the concept of that "career stairway" I also liked that you absolutely ruined Vervet's story, so that the big guy is still alive, and well, still the "main boss". I also thought that the main character flew into "heaven", and personally I love those transitions where you can't really tell what happened, and the character realizes their death only after some time have passed. But no, it only got worse... No matter how hard he tried, he saw the precious light all around, only to be found fallen at the very bottom... Let me mention that i also love when at the very beginning, you hinted, spoiled the ending without ANYONE knowing! That was amazing. Felt the hugeness, the pain, absolutely ate the art style and all that wonderful movement in animation. You deserve all love and support from art community. Keep the good work! Hope to see more of Svanna's and homies works!!!

[@SeraphOfTheEarth]

My favourite part has to be the parallel between the monkey who falls down and Vervet. He tries to break the system but only repeats the cycle.

[@ramzydaemon84]

This was AMAZING! storytelling without speaking, self-expression without a single letter. Only action, and tone. Masterpiece!

[@Gustoberg]

I love the contrast between the funny title and the movie in question lol. I love this, specially since in the end it again shows this is just a cycle that no one has ever broken.

[@T_E_G]

This style gave me vibes from 'Primal'. The violence and simple but cartooney art style, to the show don't tell, and overall something I can watch all over again!!

[@MoonyCat]

I absolutely love these monkey designs, they're so unique and pretty. I don't particularly like many monkeys, possibly because of their odd, almost human appearances, so I think that going for a less human style was very nice. I greatly enjoyed this

[@shellknight1323]

I love the Angular stylization of the Monkeys types, it's givin major Gendy Tartakosky Vibes (Samurai Jack, PPG, Primal, etc.)

[@pineapplewolfy8343]

I love how the starting and end of the film could be connected. The film begins when a monkey falls form the sky, making the light shine through. Then we see the film develop, and in the end the main guy gets shot up in the air and falls from the sky creating the light. They could be the same monkey from the start, or interpreted as a reoccurring thing. One monkey fighting and dying every time. THIS FILM WAS AMAZING THOUGH. The COLORS AND ACTION AND SOUND EFFECTS!! ❤

[@diivolve]

Oh my god, this is so good?! I'm so happy right now. So well done! Awesome animation, wonderful color schemes, beautiful storytelling. Sounddesign is also very intriguing.

[@BigVince80bce]

you had me at monkey

[@artistirixflare]

How breathtaking, the smooth flow of this animation, the bright colors full of meaning, all of it combined with the dedication of all your wonderful animators. Well done!

[@entguarde]

Something that amazes me about this film aside from the character designs is the characters reacting to pain. A lot of times in media we just see characters going through the pain without any reaction, as if it wasn’t real. But not only do Vervet but their opponents also show pain when attacked! Of course a monkey’s going to flinch when bitten, we’d do the same too! It feels just- organic? I think that might be the word for it!

[@seaurchinted]

I’m just noticing that the baboon’s toothy monster design change is supposed to be mirrored after how baboons bare their gums. Like, their WHOLE gum.

[@landohundoamigo5122]

The animation, the character design, the colors, the sound design! All perfect! More of this please in the industry.

[@ddrw1]

This is genuinely amazing, i can see this being the next big hit on this channel and in media in general. Amazing story telling and art, and i havnt seen much people say this but I absolutely love the sound design. Great job to everyone who worked on this, i hope graduation was fun.

[@DidTheSquid]

Many people are comparing this style to Primal, but I feel like the portrayal of pain in this short is actually a step above Primal. The way every injury and attack elicits a reaction, the horrific shriek of strings when the main monkey's arm is stripped of flesh - it makes the combat feel like it has real impact, and keeps it from becoming a monotonous macho gorefest.

[@carolinama135]

He got so far... so far... Seeing his fall hurted me

[@shinysnake]

Holy freaking cow. This is insane. You guys deserve to win school completely.

[@rottsock]

Incredible work, the colours and design really stand out to me!! So expressive when the style changes too, a really inspiring film well done everyone!!

[@goldheist1816]

the designs of each individual monkey is so interesting, I especially love the large mandrill!

[@AtomicConvoy]

That mandrill design is gas I love this film

[@redaurora8602]

I would watch a whole series about this world. Monkeys have always been criminally underexplored and used in movie where animals are the main characters. They're so diverse and unique in all their different species, and this animation exploits that to its full potential.

[@aymanachkaj3333]

I oove the spetial design, the variety of monkey species; old world and new world monkeys. Very good animation. And the message seem very powerful, despite the violent scenes. Also, the Gilada loked absolutely terrifying yet mesmerizing.

[@choccocker]

Man words can't express how genuinely epic this is. Truly a monkey movie and an amazing one at that.

[@cyber_nuggets8302]

This animation is so clever in both visuals and story The story-line is so vague and being portrayed with no dialogue you can only assume what it really means. The little monkey isn't overly powerful or "plot armored" but survives due to its rage that was clearly built on years of being starved from the light. It reminds me of Primal. The visuals are so smooth and intricate, small details combine with visual effects to make emotion hit (a good example being time slowing when he slashed at the elder monkeys). (I'm not an animation expert btw lmao take this with a grain of salt, form your own conclusions)

[@selfdestructivecat4922]

The colors, the action, the intensity… everything was absolutely stunning from start to finish. I was holding my breath the entire time.

[@hostonaroll4639]

imagine having fought for ages to have the best life you could have ever dreamed of. only to know, right before your death, there was a world beyond your reach. people living better than you in every way. they look at you as they know your fate, they knew you were there and this sight to them isnt new. it just.. i cant word well enoguh to convey the lovely feeling of awe and amasement the last few seconds gave me

[@jonremimuziq]

Love this film!! Splendid job to everyone who worked on this project. The story of the Monkey fighting to "change the system" all by itself but ultimately losing, breaks my heart. Yet its an echo to how many societies are set up now. Folks at the bottom strive to obtain a better life. But unfortunately, those at the bottom with them, fight to keep them down. Instead of us all collaborating together and each of us taking the fight to the "elite" to make life better (if not for us) than for the next generations -- we fight one another. Classic crabs in a barrel mindset.

[@Its_just_me_man]

Finally, something I can return to.

[@SammyCreatesArt]

Not gonna lie i would actually watch a full season of this

[@treepelt97]

I must be the weird one here thats reading into things to much. But anyone else feel the metaphors or motifs of heaven and hell with this

[@ghostshrimp5006]

That last scene definitely gave off that vibe

[@mmm-pc3xe]

The monkey really thought he was the honored one

[@Mr_Reaps25]

Same, I instantly though of the monkeys in the light at the beginning as being "gods chosen" abusing the power they have the monkeys in the dark. I instantly thought of corruption

[@kaydbr]

A paleta de cores e o design dos personagens estão incríveis. Tem tantas maneiras de interpretar essa história, fico surpreso por ter tantos curtas de animação com um potencial absurdo.

[@indigoxalis]

I love the still-frames at 3:10!! The entire animation is incredible, kudos to everyone involved!

[@RainzzSplash]

god, i adore how unafraid this was to severely injure its main character. dont get to see that often

[@fleffychickendog]

My god that was amazing! Ending gave me chills jesus

[@SolRovivrus]

THIS WAS AMAZING! Wonderful use of colors and the fight choreography was inspired!

[@hariffton8482]

the final shot gave me chills man

[@giingersnaps]

incredible! i’ve seen clips of this all over the place and always wondered when i’d see the final animation! everything about this is stellar

[@shellknight1323]

*"M O N K É"*

[@Snow_Sailor]

This is so cool. The color pallets, the designs, the sound...this is literally amazing. I thoughtz with the title it'd be a silly animation about monkey stuff. Instead I got hit with an expressive, captivating animation about monkey stuff.

[@PeteyBirdd]

GOD THIS IS AMAZINGGGG, THE STORY AND CHARACTER DESIGNS ARE SO HAJAGSJSGW

[@katchii93]

i am in awe! the ending felt so impactful. after such a struggle, the monkey only got to be in to be in the light for a few short seconds. i feel like even if he got to the top, he would maybe still try to climb higher? so it would have been a never ending thirst for more. but such time in the light is often short lived. is how i interpreted it

[@ronicaroo]

i’ve been waiting for this forever, i cant even begin to describe how excited i am

[@crowdumpster]

the sound design in the intro alone had me captivated that was so so good

[@Aldersnap]

Yooo yes! Monkeys have TEETH for a reason haha

[@lesliecrislipnielsen9928]

Brilliant! Such a powerful result. Well done!! 🐒

[@thefluffygenius4857]

Damn that was brutal! The rage feel s very accurate, and man the main one had to kill several of his kind and lose parts of hisself to climb higher, and he did figure out kinda what the first dead monkey saw, which was the center or source I think? of the light

[@PriVerAnimation]

This was SO GOOD!! 😭😮 Beautifully animated, brilliant designs, powerful story. Will be checking out more 2D shorts in this channel 😍

[@bagea]

really amazing animation, the stylization, the shots showing one eye bleeding while one eye normal in contrast. its so good!!!!!!

[@DidTheSquid]

Aside from the spectacular art, this short really illustrates how expressive and under-utilized monkey noises are in animation. I don't know which noises were human-made and which came from real wildlife recordings, but they added a really interesting dimension to the film. It's a stark contrast to the stiff "stock" animal noises you hear in other shorts, featuring dogs or cats or whatever. I never heard a single sound effect in this short that made me go "oh, I remember that from (some other video game or cartoon)"

[@user-ve7vh9ug9k]

It's so great! But those monkeys that reside even higher than the big one.. wonder what they are🤔

[@1The_Kaiju]

Yeah but i dont think we will get and explenation sadly

[@Marsupial_Enmascarado]

This was wonderful! Thank you, all of you, for making such a great piece of art!

[@felidawn]

This is absolutely stunning. From story to art direction to movement to color, it’s just fabulous. Wonderful job to the whole team!!

[@wondaraptor]

OMG I REMEMBER SEEING YOU WORKING ON THIS spectacular job!!! I enjoyed every second of this masterpiece 😍😍

[@ilovejoltik9017]

idk how to say it but, was sooo cool. Character designs really be popping off.

[@shuddabinswollode]

the composition and colour palette is gorgeous, bravo to the whole team! very grateful for my recommended handing me gold i found the final shot so beautifully harrowing. we're left to sit in the eerie ambience with the final rays he felt. you didnt need to (and tbh im glad you didnt) show a monkey body hitting the ground. we know what its like down there, we know what drove the vervet to lash out

[@Enrommie]

Love how it gives off used to be an animation memer then went to collage type vibes

[@outatim3216]

this is incedibly epic. this gives me goose bumps and a feeling of hope for those who fight for the light. Our world is as simple as Light and DArkness. Good and EVIL

[@torra9979]

WOOOHOOO!!! I saw this being worked on a while back, so excited to see the final movie!

[@patrickrodrigues1364]

A phenomenal work. Good job, guys!!

[@LT-jr3yb]

Y’all did amaaaazing. Such a compelling and thought provoking story with beautiful frame by frame animation!! I’m aching to see more of this story, it’s great.

[@josmamatotaldrama]

This is absolutely stunning

[@sofsof7573]

Beautiful! Love the colors, various shape language and action sequences! Awesome work!

[@jeremymwambu6351]

Love the character design and art direction

[@theredeft5319]

Very cool. Love the designs, colors, and animation.

[@cococandy6503]

It’s crazy how gorgeous short films like this one can tell a full story under ten minutes- i love it!!

[@jonasopderbecke9408]

Great piece! Well done🎉

[@Ideitupington]

This is so good!! to the animation, colours and sound design :00 great stuff from the team who made this :D

[@WorldofHoo]

Honestly my favorite short film on KZbin, the creativity, the style, tooooo cool!

[@ArcaneMajesty]

This is so amazing, I love the storytelling and color choices ❤

[@evakazoo]

I think I saw some production for this years ago but now it’s finally here and by golly it looks amazing!! Absolutely fantastic animation and so artistic!! I flipping love the colors used throughout the film so gorgeous ❤❤

[@BlissAnimations]

This is wonderfully animated! I also adore the colors!

[@user-mx9lz4vj5c]

this was the best animation ever

[@a_moth5584]

The color and sound design of this is amazing!

[@oliveukulele]

this is really impressive! I love the lighting. props to everyone.

[@PikaPetey]

wwhoooaaa!!!! dude. that was so violent to watch!! well done!!

[@Misscouchpotato-]

WOW I LOVE THE DESIGNS.... oh and the animation and lighting is so pretty.

[@Deluxc]

stunning, raw film. incredible work!!

[@Van_Guardiann7]

Immaculate, right down to the last detail.

[@ridicbird]

This was amazing, absolutely love the monkey designs and colours

[@Yusuf3D]

amazing .. the story, the animation, and the art direction .. wonderful

[@Rin-qj7zt]

This has such great scene choreography. it's a fantastic short story. it makes me think of how storytelling can be weaved into short and long formats, and how they differ. in a longer format, one would need to foster emotional investment in the main character and show more of what drives them. you provide many answers over time, delving into more complex topics, but with a short format, you tell just enough in a relatable way that the viewers mind can fill in the gaps, and in the end you let the viewer's mind carry a good chunk of the story with symbolism spun from the bit you put in. stuff like this is always such an inspiration, and your team should be proud.

[@mollycrowe7641]

YES! MONKEY THE MOVIE, THE ANIMATION IS SO GOOD. STORY IS AMAZING!

[@tarekspa-ms4rg]

This is the kind of production i want to rewatch once it ends .. Stunning 🤩

[@Roxy-lf3ck]

Absolutely stunning and amazing

[@faithminic5570]

wow. This is absolutely gorgeous, I absolutely love this.

[@kaylathompson8218]

That was incredible. I've seen many great animated pieces, but few have actually taken my breath away, and I haven't felt like this since spiderverse where the art style and storytelling are completely out of the box but compelling. (ik ik some people are getting tired of the Spiderverse comparisons. But I mean we'll!) Keep doing what you do!