Chris Shaw’s 5-minute animation short follows a Tibetan refugee’s treacherous journey across the Himalayas. Since the Chinese invasion in 1950, over 100,000 Tibetans have made such journey and the short film captures the dramatic escape finely.
Written by Chris Shaw, Andrew Myors, Sara Stafford and Sam Wylde, ‘The Crossing’ is powerfully artistic. Up-standing animation, crisp sound effects and soundtrack aids the viewer to feel the harsh dramatic climate and the emotional expedition. Every frame of this short film is craftily considered with picturesque landscapes and intense close-ups.
Throughout the animation we learn of the refugee’s motive for escape, exploring the brutality and persecution faced by the Tibetan people. The short ends as the frost fades and the sun rises on a Tibetan refugee centre. A beautiful flower symbolically captures the confinement and later freedom of the refugee – showcasing solid artistic poignancy. Tamas Steger and Daniel Herincs deliver a dramatic soundtrack that pulls at the heart and carries the emotional narrative.
‘The Crossing’ isn’t afraid to document the extreme suffering the Buddhist country received by the hands of communist China and that must be applauded. A brave, emotional short that informs and educates through artistic brilliance. Highly recommended to all ages.
