CHAIN, 5min., USA
Directed by Ling Han
"Chain," directed by Ling Han, is a 3D animated short film featuring charming characters and a sophisticated environment. It uniquely tells the story of the mantis catching the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

https://www.chainanimationofficial.com/
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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
On my journey to becoming a professional animator, I’m always seeking opportunities to grow and improve my artistic skills. In 2021, I started wondering how I could challenge myself further. Directing seemed like the perfect way to step outside my comfort zone and push my creative boundaries. That’s why I decided to make this film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Creating this film took us over two and a half years. We continuously faced numerous challenges, including a limited budget and technical issues. These challenges significantly influenced the schedule of the project.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
I would describe my film as 'challenging and rewarding.' It was challenging because completing the entire project was difficult. It was rewarding because our teammates all grew as better artists throughout the process.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Honestly, there wasn't just one major obstacle in completing this project; there were too many, lol! For instance, we didn’t have the technical resources to achieve the visual style we intended. However, our lighting team did an excellent job in creating the final look of our film, which we truly appreciate.

Additionally, we lacked the tools and management strategies to track each artist’s progress, which led to us to fall behind schedule at times. Thankfully, our producer, Tzu-Ying, continuously encouraged me and brought all the artists together to ensure we finished on time. She played a significant role in helping us tackle these challenges together.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Wahoo! I’m truly touched and appreciate the kind words. Completing "Chain" wasn’t easy, especially considering the challenges we faced. It wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing team, particularly our producer, Tzu-Ying, and the other supervisors. Tzu-Ying did an incredible job keeping everything on track, which was definitely not an easy task.
My first reaction to the feedback was a joyful "wahoo!" I’m thrilled to hear that the storytelling resonated with them and that the audience understood what I was trying to convey. That is fantastic!

Storytelling is such a powerful tool, and it feels incredibly rewarding to know that our message came through. I’m really excited to keep sharing our work and hope it inspires others as much as it has inspired us along the way. A huge thank you to our audience for all the support!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
From the moment I first wanted to learn animation, and even before that as a child, I dreamed of one day creating my own animated films after watching them. : )

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I'm not exactly sure which movie I've watched the most, but the first one that comes to mind is “Coco” from Pixar. I remember crying when I watched it for the first time, and even now, after seeing it repeatedly, it still touches me deeply. It always makes me think of my grandma and my mother. The way they raised me, taught me, and shaped who I am today. That’s what a great movie is meant to do: make the audience reflect and appreciate both the good (and perhaps even the bad) moments in life, ultimately making us stronger and better people.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
From my experience, elements like film reviews, audience feedback videos, and director interviews are incredibly valuable. Our team really enjoys and appreciates the aspects that the FEEDBACK Under 5 Minute Film Festival provides. These elements not only offer insights into audience reactions but also enhance the overall festival experience.
Additionally, it would be wonderful if festivals could implement virtual panel discussions or Q&A sessions with filmmakers, allowing for more direct interaction between audiences and creators. Workshops or networking events could also help foster connections among filmmakers and industry professionals, making the festival experience even more enriching.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
From my personal perspective, the festival platform site works quite well. FilmFreeway is very user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and find the information I need about the film festivals. All the details regarding submission requirements, deadlines, and festival categories are clearly listed on the website, which greatly simplifies the process. The purchasing experience is seamless, ensuring that submitting my film is both quick and efficient. Overall, I’ve had a positive interaction with FilmFreeway, and I appreciate the ease of use it offers for filmmakers. It has made my submissions much more enjoyable!

10. What is your favorite meal?
It changes all the time, so I don’t think I have a favorite meal, lol.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Currently, I’m working on a feature project based on the title of a story from Pu Songling's collection of bizarre tales from the Qing Dynasty in China. It’s set to be released in the summer of 2025, and I really hope it does well at the box office and that audiences will enjoy it! : )