TORK, 3min., USA, Animation
Directed by Hyun Kim
A chubby office worker comes home to relax and play with his toy car.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I initially had an idea of a pudgy man who plays with toy cars and can stretch his arms. It was a funny idea that I thought could be pushed further by really exaggerating his arms and a sense of speed from the cars. Also, the humor of a middle-aged man spending his free time on something so childish was something I later wanted to incorporate once I tried to develop at least some sort of identity. I liked the message that life can be mundane and monotonous, but people always can find some joy in their own life that helps them continue living their life.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took about three months.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Big fun

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The toughest obstacles were the scenes where the perspective would rotate around the car. I really wanted to animate the moments of the man playing with his car on ones so that the speed and smoothness would be distinctive from the previous office and driving home scenes. It just took a lot of time :)

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was happy that so many people had such kind things to say about my film. It was very moving that people around the world that care about animation had positive things to say and I thank them for having time to watch my film :)

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

During freshman year at art school, I was very unsure of which direction I wanted to go into. I liked drawing and wanted to somehow incorporate that into my focus, and when I took an animation class I just liked the amount of control and personality an artist can have in their work. As I took more classes, I just saw a lot of works that inspired me and opened my ideas to what animation could be.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The film I have seen the most is probably Superbad. It is probably not even my favorite film, but it has always been a comfort film that seems appropriate anytime.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I would love to network and communicate with any producers or employers looking to hire a 2D animator. I have a portfolio to view and would love to connect with people in the industry.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It's great. I do think that it is the popular choice, but I have had problems where certain festivals need waiver codes to submit to their film and I do not know where to get these.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is Japanese ramen.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am currently working on an animation about a man running a marathon. I imagine his physical and mental hurdles manifest into reality and challenges his will to finish the race.