Total Understanding (融会-Rong Hui) Short Animated Film

In a celestial dance of movements, the moon and the sun are two sides of the same coin. Always together, but never meeting. Yet, for a brief moment of majestic beauty, they form an eclipse together. This hybrid film brings a personalized touch to the moon, personified as a koi fish, and the sun, personified as a dragon, and their relationship to each other.

The Short Film

A hybrid film comes with many complications and this film was no different. From the start, the final vision of the film was hard to see and even harder to explain. The singularity of the fish and the dragon was a key element of this film. Two very different creatures but also very similar in the path they tread and the way they move. This is a film about twos and ones. One sun, one moon, and one sky. 2D, 3D, and one film.

Trailer

Characters Breakdown

Directing this film was not easy. I am very passionate about animation and collaborating with people to create a meaningful message because I have personally felt the impact of good animation. This film, at its core, is a representation of who I strive to be. As free as a fish and as powerful as a dragon, but only together can they evolve into something greater. It’s a look at the world closely yet from a distance. It’s a call for self-reflection and harmony. It is not perfect by any means, but no one is and that, in my opinion, is the beauty of this film and life. This film is more than what is shown on the screen. To me, this film is a memory of both my cultural background and my time spent with all the people involved in making it. I have failed and learn more about myself every step towards completion. I am so proud of everyone who contributed and made this a success. My first film in my last year at school. There is no other way I would start my career.

- Sharon Chen, Director of Total Understanding