My film is a short, two to four minute fairytale film that tells children why the sun comes out every day. The film also has scope for the parents of children. Parents should be able to relate the film to the world that they and their families live in today, and how it is at a deeper level, a land without sunrise.
I aimed at making not a frivolous film, but a film that radiated the feeling of love. I did not want to preach any didactic lessons of morality. The film, while giving answers, would leave the audience with questions of an introspective nature.
My story speaks of a land not very far removed from ours; a cold, bitter, and hungry land where the sun hasn’t come out since the time of the elders. In that land, lives a grouchy farmer and his childhood friend – the hearty rooster. One day, amidst a growing famine, the man snaps and wants to eat his friend. That starts a wild chase of selfishness and sacrifice. They don’t realize it then but the chase leads them to the secret sunrise, metaphorically that of friendship and love.
Due to the nature of my story, I decided on one thing from the start: the visuals would move from darkness to light with the coming of the sun. I had also decided that this film would be hand drawn completely; the reason being that I wanted to animate in a style that I was not too well versed with.
I realize that films can never be made in isolation. Films are about people and for people. Therefore, one needs to read and travel and truly feel for other people.
