Drifting through space with no purpose on spaceship Zoopticon, five mutated singing animals find a goal when they learn of their origin – a mysterious planet called Earth.
Directors: Jon Frickey, Thies Mynther, Sandra Trostel
Screenplay: Jon Frickey, Thies Mynther, Sandra Trostel, Christoph Mathieu
Producer: Sandra Trostel
Animation: Jon Frickey
Sound Design: Thies Mynther
Editor: Sandra Trostel
Composer and Lyricist: Thies Mynther
Voice Cast:
Sarah Thom
“Shimo” Dong Zhou
Alex Murray-Leslie
Amanda Romero
Achan Malonda
Jon Frickey
Veit Sprenger
Roosa Voima
Funded by
Festival Distribution
Curtas Vila do Conde International Film Festival 2023
Award for Best Animation Film, International Competition
Jury: EMILIE LESCLAUX (Filmmaker), ÉMILIE POIRIER (Festival du Nouveau Cinéma de Montréal (FNC)), ESTIBALIZ URRESOLA SOLAGUREN (Filmmaker), RÉMI BIGOT (Head of the film department at Semaine de la Critique of the Cannes Film Festival)
Jury Statement:
„An origin story that you haven’t seen before with the highest quality of the craft. The story line possesses a lighthearted tone that is also deeply rooted in grand philosophical and political questions on countries, identities, memory and history. The astounding sound work and original songs heavily contribute to the creation of this kawaii-like cosmogony. So for its existential reflection on mankind through an animated outer space musical, the award for Best Animation of the International Competition goes to ZOOPTICON by Jon Frickey, Thies Mynther and Sandra Trostel.“
KFFK 2023, Cologne
WDR AWARD
Jury: Andrea Hanke, WDR (public TV)
„The film includes a surprisingly well-founded critique of civilisation, depicts the dangers of AI and historical oblivion as well as the fate that threatens humanity due to the climate crisis. The animation draws on familiar themes from pop culture, opening up spaces and references that invite repeat viewings. „Zoopticon“ is also a successful musical with finely composed voices and sounds. Lines like „And the light … years go by“ stick with you. – Since I wanted to die, I want to live, says the spaceship.“
International Short Film Festival Dresden 2024
DEFA Promotion Prize Animation
„Across light years, while self-conversations become monotonous and suicidal thoughts arise, a turning point suddenly opens up. The film successfully reflects on loneliness, the longing for closeness and human behaviour in a colourful, detailed and musical way. The storyboard, the specially composed songs, the numerous references and the animation technique convinced the jury.“
Ale Kino! 2023, Poland
Special Mention
„This film takes us on an exciting sci-fi journey through space accompanied with a wonderful soundtrack that fits the original animation style. It explores the true nature of humanity, new technologies and humans‘ constant anticipation of the future. A space opera full of philosophical metaphors and references that leaves the audience with lots of impressions to think about.“
SHORTLISTED FOR THE GERMAN SHORT FILM AWARD
Curto Circuito International Film Festival Santiago de Compostella, Spain, 2023
Official Selection – Cosmos
Festival International De Cine Independente De La Plata Festifreak, Argentina, 2023
Official Selection
Dokumentar- und Animationsfilmfest Leipzig, Internationaler Wettbewerb Animationsfilm, Germany, 2023
Internationaler Wettbewerb Animationsfilm
Uppsala Short Film Festival, Sweden, 2023
Official Selection
Cut Out Fest, Mexico, 2023
Official Selection Narration
Short Waves, Poland, 2023
Official Selection
SPIFF, Puna, India, 2024
Official Selection
ANIMA 2024, Belgium
Animated Night
GO SHORT 2024, Netherlands
Official Selection
Filmfest Bremen 2024
Official Selection
36. Filmfest Dresden 2024
National Competition
ITFS 2024, Stuttgart
Bangladesh International Short & Independent Film Festival 2024, India
Official Selection
ITFS 2024, Stuttgart
German Animation
Les Intergalactiques 2024, Lyon
Flatpack festival 2024, United Kingdom
Competition
Ennesimo Film Festival 2024, Italy
Official Selection: Worldwide!
Aigio International Short Film Festival 2024, Greece
International Narrative Competition
Zomerparkfeest Venlo 2024, the Netherlands
Animator Festival 2024, Poland
ARTIFICIAL EMPATHY Competition
Zomerparkfeest Venlo 2024, the Netherlands
Glasgow Science Festival, 2024, United Kingdom
Cardiff Animation Nigh 2024, United Kingdom
Open Eyes Festival 2024, Germany
Official Selection
Open Air Filmfest Weiterstadt 2024, Germany
Official Selection
Kyiv International Short Film Festival 2024, Ukraine
Sing me your story program
Weird Market – International Animation, Video Games and New Media Market and Festival 2024, Spain
Official Selection