Rooted

Animated awakening: a young black man in an oppressive urban environment finds a new outlook by embracing his African roots

A young black man feels rooted to the spot in an isolating urban environment - yet roots also prove to be the escape, as he begins to embrace his African heritage and find a new harmony to the beat of a drum. Animation is the perfect tool for crafting a compact tale of alienation and awakening. Rough lead pencil boils onscreen, adding to the irritating static of an unfriendly environment. In contrast, the coloured crayons seem to dance, as does our character as the film closes to the sound of an African choir.