BORN, 3min., Australia
Directed by Yixin Sun
This 2D experimental animation depicts a planet with reproductive functions, exploring the transformations associated with pregnancy and childbirth. By portraying these changes on both a psychological and physical level, the animation aims to highlight the impact of reproductive trauma and advocate for greater societal awareness and compassionate care.

https://yixinsun.cargo.site/born

https://www.instagram.com/xsuens_/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

At first, I only wanted to create a simple experimental animation about body horror. But as I went deeper into my research, I realized that using body metaphors to express themes of reproductive fear could be a powerful idea. That realization encouraged me to explore how experimental animation could use body parts as metaphoric visual elements. It became not just an experiment in form, but also a way of confronting and expressing anxieties around reproduction, trauma, and the fragile relationship between the body and the mind.

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

It took me around three months in total. I spent about two weeks developing the concept, but the majority of my time was consumed by creating the animatic. Ironically, I left too little time for the final production and refinement of the animation itself.

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

Fear and unease.

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

One of the biggest obstacles was my limited experience with animation drawing techniques. This made it difficult to give certain visual elements—like the interaction between organs and the umbilical cord—the elasticity and tension that animation usually requires. Another challenge was the lack of a structured storyboard. Instead of planning in advance, I let my ideas develop spontaneously during the drawing and animating process. While this allowed for creative freedom, it also caused the project to stall at certain points, and I had to push myself to move forward.

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

I was genuinely surprised and moved by how quickly the audience connected with the emotions and tension in the film. For me, that was already a success. What I didn't expect was that some viewers were able to interpret the film on a deeper level, relating the reproductive imagery not only to bodily and psychological harm, but also to broader ideas about nature, life, and death. Their interpretations expanded the meaning of the work beyond what I had initially imagined.

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

It was around the end of my undergraduate studies. At that time, I had a deep passion for motion design, but I also grew up loving cinema. I suddenly thought, why not combine these two passions? Animation felt like the perfect medium for me to develop my own form of storytelling.

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

The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

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

One of the most valuable things for me as a filmmaker is hearing how audiences respond to the work. I think festivals could provide more opportunities for structured audience feedback. Having access to diverse perspectives helps me understand how the film is being interpreted, what emotions it stirs, and where I could grow as a storyteller.

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

I appreciate how user-friendly the platform is—it made the whole process of submitting and tracking the film very easy.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I don't really have a particular favorite. I'm not very sensitive about food.

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

I'm hoping to continue building a career in visual storytelling. I'd love to contribute to new film projects, maybe as part of a larger creative team. As for making my own new film, I don't have plans yet, but I see this film as just the beginning.