Osaka Dec 1, 2024

That was a phenomenal four minute film. Here's my interpretation -

The man in the doorway represents an authoritative figure, perhaps a symbolic umbrella of familial and societal expectations. The young prospect of future fortune with potential to make a difference in his and others lives, sits on the floor; overwhelmed by the turmoil and chaos in his own home country. This is evident in the juxtaposed shots of decaying, crumbling, war-torn buildings, and commercialized and well-built structures seen afterwards, providing contrast to the overall internalized and external conflict.

The young boy is wearing a lion mask, with lions being symbolic of great courage and strength.

Also, the doorway man is holding multiple set squares, representing the metaphor that the young lion boy must find an 'angle' to survive in this chaotic & downtrodden environment. However, he's stripped of his right to present himself as the lion, with his courageousness being stripped and taken away from him when the mask is taken off his face by the man in the doorway. This is likely because the lion boy's time has ran out to make a decision, and doorway man sees lion boy's overwhelmed cries for help as a weakness.

Overall, I feel like the main message is to find bravery and self-belief, and wield them as your greatest weapons, no matter the environment. Otherwise, if you don't find an angle, society will strip you of your identity and you will be nothing more than another nameless figure.

I hope you get a good grade on your project!~