Negative Space | Oscar Nominated Stop-Motion Animation | Short of the Week

What it means to lose a loved one told through the art of a well-packed suitcase.
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Negative Space
A Film by Tiny Inventions (Ru Kuwahata & Max Porter)
www.tinyinventions.com
Right at the outset, let me lay my cards on the table-this is a nearly perfect short. I qualify that statement with the “nearly”, only because I do not believe that art is a competition towards a platonic ideal. Though our site has taken on the challenge of serving as an arbitrator in questions of artistic and entertainment value, I still tend towards relativism in these matters. Taste is personal, and besides, perfection is often incompatible with innovation and risk-taking. Some of my favorite short films are decidedly imperfect and all the more enjoyable to me because of it.
But back to the point-Negative Space is practically perfect. Like so many shorts I admire, the film incorporates multitudes of seemingly contradictory qualities: at a mere 5 minutes, there is really no wasted space, and yet it is exceedingly spare. Based off a celebrated Ron Koertge poem that clocks in at only 150 words, it allows for moments of subtlety and contemplation that are so necessary in visual storytelling-those perfectly blocked shots, held for an extra moment, that drive home the rich emotional interiority of its characters. It’s simultaneously one of the most humanistic films of recent memory, but it also stars no humans. Its stop-motion animation is expressive, detailed and grounded, and yet it has no compunction about taking off on flights of fancy, segueing via delightful transitions into fantastical asides that play with scale and setting - S/W Curator, Jason Sondhi
FULL REVIEW: www.shortoftheweek.com/2019/0...
CREDITS
Director / Writer: Max Porter & Ru Kuwahata
Production: Nidia Santiago & Edwina Liard
Co-production: Jean-Louis Padis
Original poem: Ron Koertge
Set Decoration: Ru Kuwahata, Marion Lacourt, Victoria Tanto, Max Porter
Puppets: Ru Kuwahata, Satoru Yoshida, Tomas Gebcyznski, Max Porter
Animation lead: Sylvain Derosne
Additional animation: Eric Montchaud, Ru Kuwahata
Cinematography lead: Nadine Buss
Additional cinematography: Simon Gesrel, Max Porter
Production / Post-production management: Nidia Santiago & Edwina Liard
Production Assistants: Philippe Baranzini, Walid Païenda, Fred Borja, Lucile Pellerin, Maxime Lebalanc, Juluien Renrad, Willy Fair
Post-Production: Max Porter, Sami Guellai, Pierre Morin, Ru Kuwahata
Editing: Max Porter
Music & Sound Design:Bram Meindersma **posée et enregistrée avec le soutien de la SACEM en association avec Ciclic
Voice:Albert Birney
Voice Recording: Keviln Hill, CAS
Color Grade:Thibaut Pétillon
Sound Mix: Matthieu Langlet
-Studio Providers-
Voice recording facility: Studio Unknown
Decoration: Ciclic Animation
Puppets: Moving Puppets
Animation: Ikki Inc., Manuel Cam Studio, Tiny Inventions
Post production: Ciclic Animation, Ikki Inc.
Color correction: Royal Post
Sound mix: Eclair
Typography: YouWorkForThem
Insurance: Gras Savoye
Bank: CIC
Accountant: Lebrun Audiovisual
Distribution: Miyu Distribution
Publicist: Fumi Kitahara
-Funding-
Avec la participation du Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée - Contribution Financière
Avec la participation d’Arte France - Unité de Programmes Cinéma
Avec le soutien de la Mairie de Paris en partenariat avec le CNC
Avec le soutien du CNC (Nouvelles Technologies en Production)
Avec le soutien de la Procirep et de l’Angoa
Puffin Foundation Ltd.
Marcella Brenner Grants for Faculty Research Development from Maryland Institute College of Art
La Maison des scénaristes
Negative Space has been supported in production by Ciclic-Région Centre Val de Loire, in association with the CNC. It has benefited of the support for original music creation by the SACEM in association with Ciclic. It has been hosted in Vendôme (France) from June 2nd to September 2nd, 2016, and from December 1st to January 31st, 2017. Ciclic is a public institution for cultural cooperation created by the Centre-Val de Loire Region and the French State. www.ciclic.fr.
Year: 2017
Country: FRANCE
© Ikki Films / MANUEL CAM Studio / Ikki Inc.
This film is reproduced on this channel with the permission of the rights-holders.

[@dansback8053]

Perhaps ‘look at all that wasted space’ is referring to periods of time in the past where time was not spent together. Opportunities wasted.

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

He seems to really love his dad.💟Perhaps it means that he's lonely now that his dad is not here, Wasted space=Empty space (missing someone💔.) I guess there no right way to interpret it.🤔

[@jenifermartins2946]

I hadn't thought of that...like @Jane Doe said, I guess there might not be an acurate interpretation. I think each person's interpretation is a reflection of what they've been through in life. I thought it meant that his relationship with his dad was so cold that he learned to see everything in a cold/utilitarian way, in which feelings and sensitivities are less important than making sure everything is useful (Peter Singer came straight to my mind). It's like he didn't see death, he just saw a big box with not much inside, and that's a waste because the utility of a box is to put stuff inside and not having it completely filled makes it only "half useful". I'm not sure I was able to explain it very well. English is not my first language. Anyways, great video! Gives a lot of food for thought!

[@jaiyash0]

Jenifer Martins incredibly written

[@juliacosta3179]

Jenifer Martins I thought the same!!

[@abelmalespin]

Agreed good observation

[@shinyhead6548]

“look at all that wasted space" really impacted me

[@oof1291]

Heyyo Mo i don’t get that part

[@leahdudash9421]

oof me either

[@uniquemystique8566]

The short is called ‘Negative space’ because negative space is the unused space. When he said “look at all that wasted space” he was referring to the emptiness around his father’s body. It seemed wrong to him because they had been tightly packing suitcases together all his life.

[@qwertyqwerty6099]

@@oof1291 not that hard to understand.. regret.. that he can't pack for his dad's last trip..

[@hayk3000]

@@uniquemystique8566 I interpreted it as he was more focused on the empty space than on his father. But I like your way better, I preffer to think of it as positive thing.

[@rowenayow2974]

Dunno who will read this, but to share, this film was made by Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata, a power animating couple. He was a professor of mine in college and he shared the process of it in class. The clothes were modelled off his own, and his wife Ru made each of the tiny replicas. The furniture in his tiny childhood home, is a replica of his own home, down to the fabric of the sofas. This was really about his dad. They spent a year in residency in Paris making this film. It was nominated for an Oscar the year after I graduated. I feel incredibly lucky to have seen it's process and to learn about his story. Thanks Max for everything!

[@sattysattyoboh9845]

Aww

[@GonjaGrowinGirl]

Wow that amazing, thankyou for your input too!! Amazing stop motion video.🙏👍💯

[@harbyarby1347]

Oh my gosh! I was in Film, Animation and Video with Max! This is so cool. He was/prob still is so gentle and always nice, quiet and super talented! Hard worker and really focused. That is so awesome. Literally like 13 of us in this major (at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence). Thanks for sharing who made it!

[@stepandenisov2730]

i envy them a lot

[@forgottozhonya957]

That's so cool

[@cheeeseforlife]

wait did you guys notice the part where his dad put him in the suitcase (2:06), his wristwatch left him and was swallowed by the waves of clothes. I think what could be interpreted here was how all this packing and all, stole precious time his dad could have spent with him instead. Woah this really is one brilliant creation. I am also having fun reading through the comments of various intreptations!

[@scribbledeedee5020]

Me too lol I’m reading them all😂

[@shekinahkidsvideos]

Great wisdom!

[@Mysticoach88]

Of course, it's a form of being unavailable, neglect, abandonment issues

[@poojamayande5957]

Wow after reading ur comment i got know the exact meaning, thanks

[@allison4644]

So many clothes in the waves of the ocean like thoughts swirling around in his mind..

[@christa6298]

His dad also taught me how to pack.

[@w8bblefr8g82]

Ah that got me 😂

[@monirayusuf30]

🤣🤣

[@artaemip3044]

Yeah. I used to just make everything in a sushi roll and shove it to my bag. Now I know how to do it correctly. Lol

[@charunoni3023]

😆😆😆😆

[@magnisky]

It felt like sad Mari Kondo. Learned a lot. 👍😸

[@themansu402]

Look at all that wasted space. All the time we could have spent. All the memories we could have shared. All the dreams we could have built.

[@My.Lifes.Journey]

Salam, I agree. At first I didn't understand but now I get it. Life is too short. Spend quality time. Don't waste time.

[@aliakhatri4633]

Asssalam wrwb... True that

[@My.Lifes.Journey]

@@aliakhatri4633 wa alaykom asalam. 🌸

[@ubayyd]

@@aliakhatri4633 just one comment ??

[@CodySvsTheNet]

Or we need form fitting coffins😃

[@deepab8241]

"Look at all the wasted space" proves how imperfect the relationship was between him, his father and his mother. They were folded up tightly just like the clothes inside the suitcase alligned right in their space without even overflowing an inch of it. Everything was measured in teaspoons in that house. Perfection itself was measured out. Their life was PERFECT but lifeless.

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

Beautiful interpretation! They led separate lives that didn't intersect or meaningfully connect. It was all about stuff and efficiency, there was no room for the boy to express his needs or his feelings of loneliness or abandonment. There was no room for life!

[@DivyaJoan]

Very interesting interpretation.

[@Nyc99]

Its like some kind of disorder

[@TheAllSeeingEye2468]

I wouldn't say perfect. I think it's implied that the father might've been seeing someone on his "business trips"

[@Dejyepyyo]

Perfectamente imperfecta..

[@pembasherpa6076]

When his father was leaving for temporary days he fulfilled all the spaces in his suitcase but when he left permanently he left all empty...which symbolizes our life..rather than filling our life with materilistic things ..fill with love and memories that lives forever 🧡.. This is what I learned from this short amazing clip... Do you agree with me?

[@luisdecastro7623]

I agree..indeed.

[@chandekar8672]

Agree

[@rajiblochandash2901]

Yaa I agree with you

[@Savna06]

👍

[@itsbuterflyb.u.e.t8132]

Yeah this makes sense👍

[@pubalikhataniar4963]

"Wasted Space" here, in my opinion reveals that the protagonist and his father bonded over only how to pack suitcases. They didn't share anything else, as his father was always on tour. So when he saw his father in the coffin the only thought that came to his mind was about packing suitcases and how to utilize the spaces and not any happy memories with his father because he didn't have any. I feel like that.

[@kuntalmistry]

Here, Time of life is also Space !

[@mehra7690]

Same . Only thing is I don't have words to write my opinion . U did my part

[@19Marc79]

My father is similar. I moved back into my parents´ house in my thirties because we had so much wasted space there. In the 8 years, that I have been living with them now he never approached me to do a "Father/son thing" (Bowling, Cycling, Cinema, etc.). He just watches TV all day long and drinks his beer daily and seems content with that. I approached him many times. But he NEVER approached me. During my adolescence it was the same. Early childhood I can´t remember.

[@zainudeenjeeawody3175]

Well said. Also depicting how we leave this world empty handed.

[@nikhil-sabniveesu]

Now i understood the meaning of video

[@GizmoMaltese]

Such a beautiful synthesis of visual and verbal poetry. The coffin was the last suitcase for the final trip.

[@ernestlindersonguarde2877]

I cried. A lot.

[@Sandrine.230]

I got goosebumps reading this! That's so true!

[@birchtreez440]

And in that final trip, there's nothing inside but the dead person.

[@casher7821]

@@ernestlindersonguarde2877 you should really watch House of Small Cubes. You're welcome.

[@FaiGal]

This comment hurted

[@Sonakshi111]

While most people are trying to interpret the meaning, I’m just glad I came across this because I hate packing and this was very helpful. Not to mention the animation was beautiful beyond words

[@DivyaJoan]

Hahaha...yes, true. Excellent tips.

[@TenTenJ]

The other way to pack is lay everything flat and stacked on top of each other, and keep smaller items in the pockets. This prevents wrinkling and fits in more items because when you fold or roll anything, inevitably it takes up more space. 😊

[@anihysenaj3743]

lol

[@mostafanegim]

😂

[@vivek06media]

On point 😅

[@thislittlepiggy-bedtime-videos]

In won’t go into details, but I relate so much that this story literally spoke to me. Me and my dad always ‘bonded’ on some specific thing.. he wasn’t a particular affectionate person… at least he didn’t show it.. but behind those words he said there was always ‘something else’. My interpretation of “look at all that wasted space” is that after all these years of bonding ONLY about packing, it naturally all he can say to begin with.. thats what associate his dad with … so he naturally thinks that first… he’s probably trying to bond again (kind of when you talk with someone dead at. The cemetery over their grave )Also… he talks about ‘wasted space’ cause there’s definitely some sort of regret/disappointment… of not having lived a full relationship with the dad.. not having explored other feeling, experiences etc… but limited instead their most intimate father/son moments to talk about packing… instead of living it fully… so it’s kind of ‘wasted’. Also I’m glad Tiny Invention is doing great!!! I remember being a big fan of them whilst I was at uni.. I also interviewed the woman (can’t remember her name) for my dissertation… I remember the guys name tho! max .. easier to remember.. but I definitely won’t forget their lovely happy faces and great work! Well done Tiny Invention!!!

[@Twig_ccj]

Yes, I thought this too, I don’t really bond with my father

[@harrymakongwa1147]

I just learned how to pack fro trip today..thanks ..

[@joelformica8344]

I don’t think shoes should be just on top like that.

[@IneptOrange]

@@joelformica8344 What's what the plastic is for

[@nishhx_x]

@@joelformica8344 maybe put em in a plastic cover?

[@mikeknight42]

well you can wrap them in a plastic bag .. but then the bag is a dirty on the inside and it looks junky. Perfect idea. This is to explain packing as an art more than anything. It isn't a tutorial. Lots of people had things their dads were good at and we asked endless questions until we understood it.

[@valquiros6998]

HahahahahHah

[@magazineart4675]

"Look at all that wasted space." When you only teach your child one thing in life....what do you expect for him to think when you are gone? Amazing story.

[@19Marc79]

My father taught me as a a boy how to fix a hole in a bicycle tube, how to drill a hole in a wall and how to play Skat.

[@forestsoceansmusic]

No, it was a joke -- 'Black Humour'.

[@magazineart4675]

My father failed as a parent. I am so blessed my son has an amazing father.

[@mustafanazari7858]

Well said

[@breaktherules3041]

You're very much missing the point here

[@fernfractal]

the single word his dad texted back expressed how much pain this boy felt, despite him not knowing it. the wasted space similarly expresses the pain & emptiness inside his heart, for hardly he knew his father at all.

[@VarshaManoj]

Loved the movie! Loved the comment section too where each person has typed down what they understood. That is one of the best part about KZbin. The movie was so well made that people got different ideas and the comment section gives you a glimpse into each persons understanding 😍☺

[@shahnazali8038]

I agree

[@Zephirite.]

Wonderfully put.

[@RakiReviews-bu6hp]

Best comment I had read in this comment section

[@kavin_kumar]

Trust me, stop motion takes a lot of time and effort. A lot.

[@ericamartinsferraz6821]

A LOT!

[@Danny_Az]

A LOT!

[@sooyaaa8847]

A LOT!

[@user-ed7ed6rw3f]

A LOT!

[@imadfazil5678]

A LOT!

[@ellenh278]

The underwear jellyfish though! I loved the crashing waves/underwater segment. Clever.

[@soniarana5061]

I quite didnt get that part could you explain it to me please 😅

[@ellenh278]

@@soniarana5061 @2:29 ..a pair of underwear swimming upwards like a jellyfish would. Just after the belt/eel. All so clever.

[@devonhughes3805]

R.S love you’re not the only one. I thought it was clever, but I get bothered when I see clever things in films but can’t figure out “why” they’re there except to sort of “show off”

[@Ebakyza]

@@devonhughes3805 that's a good point but I think in this film that jellyfish thing was a part of creating underwater atmosphere and a reason for the boy to get out the "water".

[@shubhamnamdev]

underwater*

[@ravenchaplin8932]

this is why I love short films because they can tell such a big story in a few minutes

[@skies1437]

It's so sad to say but I relate to this. I always felt so far away from my father, I never really got to know him because he used always draw this line between our relationship. Our relationship felt so lifeless, it was always about how much did you score in exam, where did the marks go, what was your rank. Even if I would get one word of appreciation from him I felt so happy, it was as if I made him happy now I know something about him. If I show him good results he likes it. It's so sad that even now when I am in college and away from home and when I call him he never asks me about my health or food or my friends he only talks about the studies. That line he drew in our relationship hurts me a lot. Whenever he asks me such non significant questions I always wonder my worth in his eyes. But now I have moved on and tried focusing on other things in life but still somewhere it always hurts me to see how other children bond with their parents. I always wonder if we had bonded that way would he ask me something different, would the line still exist.

[@idharudhar5985]

Any reason why you have not brought this up with your Dad? Find some time to spend with him and share how you feel about your relationship, you may find out more about him and he may also see from you side of things. If you are in college, your Dad is not getting any younger, so please communicate now to have the father son bonding you desire. Time doesn't wait for anyone. Good Luck to you.

[@skies1437]

@@idharudhar5985 no I don't feel like talking about this to him, I am much better right now than I was before and I don't feel like changing it. I have healed through our relationship and I don't feel like asking about his actions anymore because they don't hurt me anymore

[@hana.the.writer5074]

It’s all his loss, son. He lost you and not knowing it. My nephew is the same.. I love him so much I refuse to see any wrong he does. Life is cruel to him and he is also in college. I cannot fathom what my brother is doing. He made his son without when he’s alive. My son’s the same. I tried to talk sense into my ex, no use. So, he too lost a son. I told him this would happen. When you grow older, son .. someday the terms of you finally opening up will come God’s willing. Could be about marriage, child care or him not seeing much of you, you will say it, “Why do you care?” and That my son will shake him up and like in the film the past will unzip in his mind.. hopefully. 😊 We get tired, dear, to be honest. I mean, we’re human.. we thrive on sentiments.. crave attention.. if that door keeps being locked one must move on. I’ve moved on from mom. She and others .. I’m much better without. Best of luck to you dear. Take the best of care. 👋🏻

[@shivanimanna8645]

This level of creativity is something amazing Hats off

[@lodalega9674]

Home come?

[@jjosephine]

How so

[@Sunil-fb1mp]

@gypsy lab She simply acknowledged the creativity. What's wrong with that?

[@loloseeghosts]

gypsy lab what’s wrong with you

[@claudiamendoza2211]

Hats off. Absolutely. Besides, hats off. Just like at funerals.

[@lillyloulijia]

this video is actually so helpful for trip packing tho

[@cynthiawaiting]

Lilly Lou Haha true!

[@AK-ex5md]

Yeah 😂 And the thing is I paused on it and watched it again

[@hhhhdkkxkdkdjjd4845]

Ikr lol

[@SEANTSEANT]

facts

[@TheKubbas]

I was thinking of that immediately!

[@hana.the.writer5074]

I pray that those kids who grow in negative spaces grow to be better parents even if they say you cannot give what you haven’t been given. Somewhere in our souls.. would guide us to give what we lacked.

[@shi529]

His father has always filled the spaces of his luggage but now that he's gone, there are still spaces that hasn't been filled.

[@sibarani2448]

“Look at all that wasted space” reminds me that when we die there is nothing we can bring with us. We work so hard when we alive for things that we think are more important. But at the end all that materials will just left behind.

[@bharathtony6087]

P Sibarani my friend it doesn’t matter if you don’t live in present, Don’t think

[@staceymartinez4690]

The bible speaks of this Luke 12:15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

[@pornpunyanaso1057]

After reading many comment trying to explain the meaning of “look at all that wasted space”, i do agree with yours most.

[@casher7821]

You should see House of Small Cubes. You're welcome 😊

[@zed2579]

For me me it reminds, that every moment of the father and son didn't enjoy their life while it last.

[@Natalie-ud1mh]

I’ve never heard my father ever say anything I did in my life was “Perfect”. That would’ve been such an important word for me too.

[@okbutakiraiskindaquirky6931]

my dad never says sorry to me

[@gas_chamber]

ARMY

[@chanandlerbong6459]

I agree

[@faridaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

ok but Akira is kinda quirky same

[@jvds1360]

That is sad indeed. But you will manage. Strength comes from within. 👊🌼

[@HotCurryMouth]

To me, this is a beautiful story about love. The love between a father and a son. The suitcase packing knowledge was how the father bonded with his son and it created a lasting memory for the son. Certain actions, words, smells, etc remind us of those we loved. "Not wasting space" is the lens through which the son sees life - and it connects him with his father forever.

[@xuanning5699]

How I like an open-ended story! For me, the "look at all the wasted space" line shows the chemistry between the son and the father . The son, after all the loss (of his father), all the busyness to greet people who come over for the funeral, finally have a quiet and alone time with his father, using their favourite, usual or might be the only topic of bonding "suitcase" as the medium to do the one last bonding, so talking about the art of suitcase packing is very relevant in their context and is like a small little secret between the father and the son. So, the topic does matter, but I felt that there's another need: to speak to his father like one last time (while the unspoken emotions might be "Dad, I right now, am already missing you! " )

[@TheTrueMelonMan]

I think his heart was filled with his dad and since he left now, there is a negative space, a void in his heart now.

[@prayerforceone]

"Open-ended" At the end, the coffin was open.

[@ChelseaLupkin]

I need more serious animations in my life! Really amazing storytelling and I loved the stop motion! Who’s with me?

[@victoriahandmade6131]

@Chelsea Lupkin I agree with your comments

[@pig_porkchop_7040]

100th like

[@user-hw7dz7mg5n]

There are tons of 'serious' animations out there, you just need to find them.

[@Guttergirl182]

Bravo!!!!

[@FarzanNijabdeen]

oh am with you!

[@koojiayong7820]

In my interpretation, the line "look at all the wasted space" has to do with the title of the poem -- Negative Space. Negative space, in art, is the space around and between the subject of an image. At the end it shows his father lying in an empty coffin, and this is when the negative space of the coffin matters. There's no flowers or decorations filling up that "negative space". Indirectly, it presents that the father didn't really bond well with others, so the others have less emotion towards him, even during his death. Perhaps, they are only there because they need to, or even just to satisfy his pity wife, who was neglected during his time. So what's the point of busy filling up your luggage, when you can't even fill up your coffin with flowers of love? This is all of my thought, how do you guys think?

[@artems4]

You're making a good point! While flowers in the coffin might be a cultural thing and their absence wouldn't necessarily be signifying, the missing connection to others and not only the son is a good observation. This makes me think further. The negative space could refer not (only) to the missed opportunities to spend time with the son. They did have a connection but in a very special way (BTW I find all the comments about tyranical father nonsense). The negative space is rather the social vacuum he created around himself.

[@koojiayong7820]

@@artems4 I like your last line!👏

[@rbronte8285]

I Agree

[@mylittlechapina]

Perfect! I loved your comment.

[@beatrizc8617]

I liked your point of view! Also, while I was reading it I couldn't prevent myself from thinking the negative space could be between the childhood and the death. When he talks about his father, all the "space" between those periods is empty too.

[@vijayanthi2096]

Everyone's discussed variety of interpretations of the story already, great to look at different ways. I really appreciate the perfection in animation, because it didn't seem stop motion to me, it felt continuous without any sudden change in frames, that's a benchmark in stop motion I would say. BRILLIANT stop motion, kudos to the team.

[@The_Beast_666]

0:17 to 1:01 Best tutorial 101 on how to pack a bag!

[@sauravkota]

It signifies how his dad taught him to fill every gap signifying a sense of completeness.. and when he left, it signifies how much "Emptiness" he will be leaving behind. Great Indeed!

[@SrSrk98]

wow your way of thinking is so positive...for this ' negative space' :)

[@linenflower5761]

THIS IS THE COMMENT I WAS TRYING TO FIND! TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU

[@sauravkota]

@Florentina Lestaru thankyou :)

[@sauravkota]

@@SrSrk98 thankyou:)

[@nidhikhanolkar8143]

what r u talking about? his dad was a distant un emotional dude, hes not sad cuz the dad is dead hes sad he didnt do anything memorable while he was alive

[@alifiaputri4533]

“Look at all that wasted space” It’s like the irony of life nowadays A lot of people working in all their whole life to make their family happy, feed their family, to have a good life, and etc But they forget to “fill the space” to spend the “wasted space” which mean “quality time” with their family. The Son just found his father working, working and working and never have such a great memory with his father but only the memory of seeing his father work. And I know exactly the feeling of this coz I have went through that situation. I hope some people out there don’t forget what their purpose in life with family. Because family only need your time, not only your money. God bless you all

[@chynaswanson4230]

THIS makes sense!

[@mmmm-wn3fe]

Your comment made me wanna tear up..I definitely agree

[@alifiaputri4533]

mm mm 🥺 and my dad was like that. But so lucky he’s still alive now

[@souvik250]

Unfortunately the military personnels can't do anything about it.

[@alifiaputri4533]

Souvik Naskar 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 that’s true But wait, I think they can have off day, right?

[@estherayewoh1077]

There's something so satisfying about this animation. I've watched it over 100 times this year

[@wilsondsouza1512]

I'm out of words. Too beautiful. Please keep creating more of your amazing shorts showcasing your gifted perspective.

[@garbagepiano4998]

When he said the last line I thought he meant, look at all the wasted space that could’ve been there, there could’ve been more memories than just packing suitcases. But that was all he learned from his father.

[@vaderlynn5371]

Naomi Sanderson yas

[@camilaalvarado1532]

Me too

[@hemlatagupta1035]

That's the best interpretation I got from this video.

[@katherinerosemore274]

I appreciate your interpretation.🙏💛 Mine was that he wanted to be there laying next to him.. Then again, perhaps i am STILL grieving my own.. R.I.P. Dad💙💖

[@Ninja_Squirtle]

An interpretation: The father taught his son how to live pragmatical and bonded through packing the suitcase. It was an authoritarian teacher with high ecxpectations (1:56), as the picture language shows when the kid found himself in a sea full of stuff (2:14). The unconscious force can also be seen in that scene and besides that it visually demonatrates the dynamic in the process: it fluctuates between to have a passion for or to be possessed by something. Either way you see it everywhere, but the difference lies in the emotions you feel and the cause (why you see it). In the boys case it's a lack of emotions and he does it to spend time with his dad. And as we see, it was important to do it perfectly, to live up to the fathers standards (3:42). In the end the habit seems like the only connection between father and son. The neutral emotion seems important and the only thing the son sees in the end are the standards and the believes of his dead father, who is packed for his final journey. The camera angle refers to the suitcase at the beginning (0:52), the black background symbols the absolute certainty (4:45): On the last trip it's not about the things you pack; it's about the things you left behind.

[@victorious4701]

Beautiful and deep psychological analysis of this masterpiece. You write like a professional reviewer, well done!

[@cinereo_argento]

Also, the nothingness but the coffin is how the man views nothing else about his dad but the coffin's space-the packing lesson his dad taught him. He thinks the funeral is terrible just because that "wasted" space.

[@IncompleteTheory]

@@cinereo_argento Not sure about this. To me it sounded like he feels bad for not being able to fight off the thought of wasted space in the coffin even though he should feel more. He feels guilty for that and regrets not having more to share with the passed father than packing optimization.

[@KL-000]

What a clever insight!

[@ArtDesignHobby]

'it's about the things you left behind'... made me cry...

[@PHanomaly]

Perfect in every way. And in the end, the son speaks to his father in the same language and thinking they shared. He said: "look at all that wasted space" in a way that makes me think he knew his father would have smiled and said one last time: "Perfect".😊

[@pedramgh2998]

A simple but fascinating story, a cold but impressive face, a calm but evolving voice, a short but deep animation. My feeling after watching this wonderful movie was very similar to the pleasant feeling of drinking a cup of hot tea on a cold snowy day. Thank you for the pleasure and comfort you gave me.

[@VixeyTeh]

Is it weird that when he said "look at all that wasted space." I imagined him trying to stuff rolled socks in around him?

[@Sol-in2cr]

I was thinking the same thing lol

[@nagygergely11]

Maybe I'm the weird one, but I kind of expected that he will look around and manically pack everything he finds inside

[@mightypoopie6884]

Same

[@bevcheyvlogs1117]

Vixey Teh same here 😂

[@zebrathing69]

Vixey Teh me too

[@TheAmankhandelwal]

"look at all that wasted space", according to me meant, all our lives, we are busy gathering things, materialistic things in our life (a suitcase), until it is full. Some think, the suitcases most efficiently packed (with materialistic things) are well-packed suitcases/ well-lived lives. However, many of us forget to gather good memories, good friends, good relationships during our lifetime, and thus, there was nobody near his coffin, and almost everybody was unaffected from his death. All the materials we gather during our lifetime don't come with us in our coffin; it is only our deeds that can be packed with us in our coffin. Moreover, building good relationships, and spending good time with our friends and family, is the key to be remembered even after death. I am not a preacher, I am just an audience passionate for good works of art.

[@nikitadhookia106]

I think u r right

[@shintm3788]

basically buddhism.

[@annies2077]

Beautiful interpretation, Aman!

[@tanid5095]

Amazing

[@sithmi2381]

This is totally true 👍

[@tanya7463]

After 2 years you tube recommended this video ... Bless to see this how much a father can fill or leave space in our life

[@muhammadwahid8992]

I have watched it countless times, still my mind always goes exploring the theme. I really appreciate the team for creating such beautiful piece of Art.

[@taprobanedelight4913]

Since he didn’t spend quality time with his father except packing suitcases he wasn’t emotional when he saw his dad inside the coffin. The only thought that ran through his mind was “look at the wasted space”

[@4746683]

Exactly

[@indranilmukherjee1413]

Exactly this came in my mind too..👍

[@nimai0108]

The only comment that made sense to me.

[@user-cf8fi7fl4r]

I think your comment z the most sensible one 👍

[@lunamoon2083]

Exactly to the point, because they wasn't close.

[@AM-uf4go]

The best packing tutorial on KZbin! Hands down. Travel bloggers watch out

[@sonofben3322]

This is not funny. Seriously ruined the mood

[@AM-uf4go]

Asiano Casino well you have to find the humor in difficult situations.

[@artschannel1359]

lol wtf made my day

[@artschannel1359]

@@sonofben3322 * sigh *

[@sonofben3322]

If it was that easy then suicide would be a distant dream

[@lounacrea8179]

The level of attention to detail and creativity is simply WAW!..

[@patwalter79]

No matter what one says or psychologically interpretations it... It's a wonderfully creative : go- with- the- flow animation... I love it, balm for the soul, beautiful

[@RafiqueMohammed]

What I think the line "look at the wasted space" meant was, the father packed all things on his trip to earn wealth inside a suitcase. But after he died, he won't be taking anything with him. That's why all the space which was filled with stuff is empty. He should have rather filled it with memories wih his family.

[@gwho]

You still die and forget memories too you know.

[@IXcircle]

I had the same interpretation but there are many other good ones out here in the Comments too. Makes you wonder what the intended meaning was.

[@bahadurali5272]

well said

[@bahadurali5272]

@@gwho memories never die.

[@worldcitizeng6507]

That's why every year I take the time to travel, to make memories

[@benjamindbailey]

This was absolutely gorgeous. Was excited when I saw the ocean of clothes in the suitcase. So inspirational. Reminds me I need to not work so much and get back to my creative life.

[@livradabaugh6627]

Telisha3 Claiborne don’t self-diagnose yourself

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@Telisha3 Claiborne maybe you waste too much time screwing around online. Check your app on that. It tells you. You have hours a day, I'm certain

[@ruturajpol75]

There can be so many different interpretations of this movie, it was truly thought provoking one. Their lives had been all under the confines of a suitcase and at last nothing but a coffin box, very well animated and thought! 💯

[@Feeoryne]

The sad part for me is that when dad took off he never hugged the son... not even when he was little...

[@plazapix6510]

A total Narccisist

[@sakuranovaryan9261]

I feel bad for parents who are like that....my parents were also like that. They never showed me any affection and I didn't know what it meant to have a bond until I got out in the world. But now that I'm older I feel bad for them...that they were never taught to show emotions or express themselves. They are a product of their own dysfunctional family. I feel sad and I have a hard time but I'm gonna try my best to be better towards my children and to them.

[@sakuranovaryan9261]

@@plazapix6510yes u r right some narcissistic parents do show such signs but most parents who are like this are usually once children of neglectful parents or very abusive parents..regardless I'm not defending them just speaking from my experience...

[@sakuranovaryan9261]

I also find it very hard to show emotions like my parents ....I hope to God I'm a better parent.

[@nelikeliduran9664]

That's true. Honestly I've learned that sometimes they grew up like that,that they just dont know how to Express their love and emotions it's sad but it's part of being as well. My mother was raised as such that I had to tell her and express my love more

[@santiagojimenez8492]

Wow, that was beautiful! Loved the textures, that carefull movement, the crispy sound design, the story got me every second. Awesome work.

[@PuppetMissy]

Yes!! Big shout out to the sound design!!

[@GizmoMaltese]

...and the poetry both visual and verbal. The coffin was the last suitcase for the final trip.

[@rubenjimenez8433]

Yooo

[@BarelyNoticeable]

Delicately foreshadowed, naturally revealed. I loved this short from start to end. Truly deserving of the highest of praise. Thank you to whoever made this.

[@olliepayne5545]

Anne Tan I love how from the get go, your imagination was trying to piece together a storyline that you felt was as accurate as the characters portrayed, and then it was totally different from what you thought it was because as the story went on, it was completely something different than what you thought it would be.

[@olliepayne5545]

The way you worded that made me think of an English teacher. We always had to look beyond and through just a facial value of something, it was never something I was incredibly strong out, but I always love looking in the comments and seeing everyone’s different interpretation.

[@BarelyNoticeable]

@@olliepayne5545 LOL I feel attacked 😂😭 I'm hoping to major in Education in my Sophomore year of college (I'm in my summer before college begins) to one day maybe become a teacher. I'm still not entirely sure what I want to do in life but that's where I'm shooting for right now because I love teaching kids and watching them grow and all that other cute wholesome stuff. And I honestly was never that good at looking through the face value of works either, but sometimes a piece can really speak to you and get to you in a way that makes it... intuitive almost to see the meaning behind it.

[@francescafrancesca3554]

I like the way of how you phrase things. Thank you.

[@svetlanasmith5847]

*whoever

[@jumarmanuel9648]

Amazing how fluid the movements are despite it being a stop-motion!!! Amazing!

[@debajyoti.guha_bong]

This was Brilliant ! So very underrated ! This should have been the Oscar winner according to me. This will always haunt me. Excellently made too, stop-motion is not a matter of joke ! Kudos .

[@shortoftheweek]

We've now added subtitles in English and Spanish. What other languages would you like to see? Update 8/4/19: German + French too!

[@monicafigueredo1463]

Hindi 🤗

[@dedisetiawan9650]

Indo please...... ..😅😅🤧🤧🙏🙏🇮🇩🇮🇩

[@TheKhetiVlogs]

@@monicafigueredo1463 😂I think so...but I got it after watching twice.

[@abhishekthorat3631]

Hindi plz

[@databaseimagination]

portuguese pls

[@shadow1nk372]

“Look at all that wasted space” I see that line as him not actually having a bond with his father and not focusing on the fact that he’s dead, but an unnecessary thing of the empty space in the coffin. Its quite sad really

[@kingbing3315]

lol

[@gas_chamber]

ARMY???

[@noya1660]

Srushti Fulkar hey. Armyyy

[@nabilal-dam2325]

exactly.

[@jonasmckinnon2830]

Had to write an essay about this in class. It really has a significant meaning about loneliness and how it effects people. Everyone should watch this

[@atozedism]

interesting. Can you pls share what was the essay about? Like what was the task? Synopsis of the story?

[@amirhossain1692]

we need more films like this. cuz this was the first time i learned how to properly pack my luggage.

[@liuyichen7349]

The scene which the wave of clothes pulls the little boy into the sea of clothes gives me shivers. This is definitely the best stop motion animation ive seen in years!!!!!!

[@YUMA-jz9xx]

Me, too! The last time I saw one was about 40 years ago, "Gumby". But this is several notches up higher than Gumby.

[@ninalinn2371]

When he was packing his suitcase, I’ve never been as satisfied as I was then in my whole entire life

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I think you need to put the phone down when you get out a lot more.

[@visions_of_noah]

My favourite short film of all time. You can tell the writer and director really knew what it means to have a distanced relationship to your dad. Should have won the Oscar.

[@learnerytr2619]

what a narration, what a screenplay , what a creativity , Every scene is art.... Kudos to the team

[@alltimesad9288]

wow that was a lot to unpack *finger guns*

[@justicemarr8747]

ahAHA

[@YourMajesty143]

Yea he seems to be carrying alot of baggage < *badum tss* >

[@jenniferle7578]

I love the scene where the boy swims under an ocean of clothes where belt undulates like a snake, pantie swims as a fish & pants flow with the water as seaweeds do. How creative humans can be. A short yet touching story of a father-son relationship through the art of packing. Love this. Worth the Oscar!!

[@videoleaks]

I also really liked this scene. Moreover, it is not entirely clear how it was filmed. I would like to see a video about the filming of this cartoon and especially the underwater scene.

[@crystalplays3271]

He is in a negative space, and he's only acknowledging the wasted space in the casket. Profound creativity, I wish everyone can see this on a spiritual level ❤️😍💯

[@Rajsambruce]

Mind blowing!!!! The perfection in stop motion is not to make the audience feel it that it was done by stop motion animation, and you made that feel!! Excellent work!!! The efforts are to be very much appreciated!!! Best stop motion animation film i have ever seen!!! The climax - LOOK AT ALL THAT WASTED SPACE. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 HATS OFF!!!!

[@celine6050]

“Wasted space” in my opinion refers to the fact that his dad spent years teaching him how to utilise space and how to never waste it which is ironic as they never utilised their time together and “negative space” might also refer to their distant relationship

[@351cleavland]

Having had a father who I tried most of my childhood and early adult life to connect, and him unwilling to do so, I found this very moving and meaningful for what could have been but was not.

[@aaronlopez717]

351cleavland Intrigue me , this kid was 12 years of age / pact the suitcase / leave / returned for the funeral .

[@aaronlopez717]

351cleavland by the way I open it because Was about the technical idea of the negative space .

[@jvds1360]

Being able to feel this, proves you found the way to your heart 🌼

[@poyink5515]

i feel you in a deep level

[@jboekhoven5253]

A story with several possible deep meanings... and presented in a very creative way, especially the way the clothes were rolled up, the way they changed into plants and fish under water etc. As someone already said, this also costs an enormous amount of time to do. But most of all I admire the creative use of objects in this video.

[@bugayden2287]

Everyone is so deep but I was just thinking “Ah, ASMR.”

[@Y0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0ow]

shallow

[@Nicodork84]

True man, I just laughed at the end x) Superb movie! ( All this boring people with their deep sence ayylmao c; )

[@bugayden2287]

BitterVoid Your name really suits your personality. I love people who take such offense from jokes. Don’t you love it when people forget how to laugh?

[@dr.durian6874]

Im 14 and this is DEEP Sorry, had to make the joke.

[@bugayden2287]

Sixx Almost as shallow as your ability to fully communicate your ideas. Seriously, put more than just “shallow”

[@purnimachitale7575]

Bravo!👏🏼 No wonder why it was nominated by Oscar. I love animated short films and this is now on the top! The last line made me hit the like, comment, save and share buttons.👌🏼♥️

[@casher7821]

You should see House of Small Cubes. You're welcome 😊

[@Aryan-Shah]

I don't really think that it has been nominated by the Oscar's maybe they just made a title around that to get more views... But no doubt the animation is great :)

[@cielomaerabotaso154]

I was searching for a short documentaries, but this one catches my eyes. First thing, I was confused what was this all about. However, as it goes by I've understood and learned that bond between you and your parents is the best memory that you both can make, along with it is the compliment by someone who is really proud of you in silent for doing the things he wanted you to do for him, or even for everyone. Time is short. Make your parents proud of you all the time.

[@mehxxx]

Having lost my dad, I can tell you that the last line probably just means exactly what he says, "wasted space".. instead of focusing on his dad's dead body, he's concerned about the tangibles like the size of the casket and how he'd problem solve that if he could. It's very human to be in a sad or horrific situation and yet get distracted by other minute details that have nothing to do with the bigger devastation and how you're supposed to feel or think in relation to it. When my precious dad was dying in front of me, I was thinking about the hassle I'll be going through to renew my passport because he wanted to be buried overseas. Wasn't blaming him or anything, I was just going through the list of to-dos.

[@FizWiz91]

I can relate to this. I was 10 when my dad died. At his funeral, I wouldn't say I was sad at all. It was just another ceremony for me. What finally moved me to tears was the fact that I was prevented by the elders from getting close to his coffin even though I really wanted to out of curiosity, not for the fact that that was the last I was going to see of him or out of grief

[@hawkeye5611]

God bless you all🙏

[@wendikl7179]

I agree with you. He longs to do what he can for his dad, something, his best as he always had - but "you can't take it with you" as they say.

[@mehxxx]

It is a systematic way of thinking, even if it's not an emotional one. We are only human. It does not mean we do not love our dear ones, it just means we're going to notice if there's a fly on the wall even while someone nearby is burning in a fire.

[@TerriblePerfection]

Totally agree. I once wrote a poem about something similar. The mind goes where it goes at such moments, and even humor and laughter aren't unusual.

[@adrielrocha9799]

He said " look at all that wasted space" because his relationship with his dad was all about packing and saving space. And is also telling that his dad wasted his time working instead of passing time with his son

[@yashiAR]

This is so well done and must have taken so much effort. The story and the narration were amazing. Wow!

[@mariabanini8936]

Just wonderful! Every scene had something symbolic. I have noticed that also the boy had turned into a man with a lot of "empty space". In his house the only picture on the walls was one of a dog. How difficult it is to learn to have close relationships when you have been raised like that! How unfair was the fact that, when he was a little boy, he had to swim alone and try to survive in a very difficult situation...Thank you for this great film!

[@Angel_Billy4-30-23]

Anyone who is willing to put in the effort to make a stop motion movie has my respect. I made a movie when I was a kid it was only about 5 minutes long but it took me months of nonstop work to do. Great movie, I loved this.

[@trangquach1730]

“Look at all that wasted space” is the son’s obsession for efficient-luggage-packing. “Luggage” was the one thing that he and his father talked about, the one thing that bonded them together. And most of this obsession is created and pushed forward by the father when the only way the child can seek relationship with him is through packing his stuff. And in the past, the father had been very strict with his standards, commenting only “perfect” to his son. Thus the son’s obsession with packing luggage has been cultivated by the father, which ironically was the only thing that impacted the son when he saw his father’s death. The argument can be made that the father has turned the son into an emotionless being by being emotionless to his son.

[@chandanamaitra5692]

Best interpretation

[@chandanamaitra5692]

Best interpretation

[@besana8452]

@@chandanamaitra5692 I agree

[@ginastocklein4605]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@pradeepmali3282]

That means his dad was bad, isn't it?

[@pralininaidoo2391]

The starkness and artistic simplicity of this narrative... Just beautiful

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

This is a beautiful short animation. Thanks to the artists for a brilliant story and masterful work. 😢 I miss my dad. I wish I could give him a hug. If he were still around, I would. Rest in sweet peace, dad. I know the angels love your harmonica playing. 💐🙏🏽💞

[@skullmax3595]

This isn't worth nominated in oscar Its worth winning oscar.

[@isabelll6547]

they had us in thr first half not gonna lie

[@nemesis2477]

Can't win without getting nominated

[@user-uz2ps4me3s]

Good move, I was about to nuke the planet because of that first part.

[@beatricelandi7090]

This is the story of my life with my dad. For more than 25 years he had to travel for work, we had little time together but our bond was beyond the physical distance. We would always try to catch up, no matter the hurtful truth of not being able to make it forever. He died 7 months ago and this story, that just brought up every single detail of our special relationship, makes it so painful and sweet.

[@naharbd]

Aww... Hope you meet in heaven!

[@mightypurplelicious3209]

o

[@abnormal_deformables5707]

Thanks for sharing!

[@infran1k]

I'm sorry for your loss

[@beatricelandi7090]

@@infran1k ❤️

[@karthikaas1728]

Just beautiful!! Wasted space =Negative space( the space surrounding the dead man)= wasted time that could have otherwise been spent together!

[@xushii9984]

this is still soso incredible and one of the best short films ive ever watched. it's so painfully relatable and visualized

[@daneal7874]

I looked at the comments knowing that somebody understood the story better than I did! Thanks to those who share their ideas!!!!

[@joshuamaggott3789]

The ending really hits core. Beautifully done

[@magdalenadeline3775]

Thankyou! You've packed my tears 😢 beautiful for everything! Great job!

[@paulasmith7256]

Am not surprised this was Oscar nominated, brilliant poignant beautifully made and left so much unsaid.

[@julie-ho7fw]

“Look at all that wasted space.” That gave me chills oh my god! Amazing animation and story-telling!

[@trishladubey4199]

If emotions like love and affection are ocean deep, we are only playing by the shores.

[@laylahumble6653]

I love this so much the animation is beautiful the story line is amazing and the message is so powerful it’s one of the best I’ve seen.

[@naturalrealm7850]

Everyone will have their own interpretation and that's how they learn the lesson they need to learn according to their circumstances. ❤

[@AngelLestat2]

Amazing short. Super creative, very original character design, animation and scene style, lights and a good script. In a world where the only things we see are terrible and empty remakes, this feel like 5 min of fresh air.

[@negativefreeroll5089]

Or just computer animation, which does nothing for me. You can’t beat stop motion, it’s real.

[@FreyaGem]

AngelLestat2. So well said!! It felt like a reminder of all that beautiful creative potential that is around us at every moment.

[@andreagonsalves7788]

Yes, I echo the sentiment of the empty remakes all too well!

[@lynxaway]

So true. It warms me to think that even today, the creative spirit is alive and well.

[@jacquelinej143]

By the end of the video, before even the mention of wasted space, I envisioned his father being surrounded with rolled up socks 😅

[@tpriestess]

Jacqueline L. Johnson I did too!

[@claudiamendoza2211]

❤💔❤

[@lupeabbysanchez4236]

Jacqueline L. Johnson Me too😊

[@DivyaJoan]

This reminded me so much of my father. He is meticulous when it comes to packing. I learned a lot from him. And this animation had a lot of excellent tips too. But, besides that, I'm intrigued by all the interpretations. The sadness and the lack of genuine togetherness is rather palpable in this animation.

[@bromptondevice7685]

I took the last line to inducate just how much his personality was inluenced by his father, without ever realising until now. His father taught him to be practical, efficient and organised. Maybe he felt adrift when his father died, unable to imagine not being able to ask his advice, guidance any more. But as he looks in the coffin and his first thought is about the waste space, he realises his father's advice and guidance are always there for him in what his father taught him.

[@ayesha1able]

Since he only bonded with his father over packing. That's the only thing he could think of on his death. Usually when a parent dies, you think of all the beautiful memories you made together. Full of love, joy, tears and laughter. Instead he could only think of the wasted space.

[@andymwes]

I love how they left the interpretation open to everyone. Its speaks to all of us differently

[@pibly674]

Yes !

[@lijemartin2369]

Agree