The Cage of Emotions, The pool of Rebirth
Beijing, China
2025, Senior, Film
Reflection
My long-term struggle with anxiety has led me to explore the healing potential of nature. During horseback riding, I discovered that as I engaged with the horse on equal footing, my stress began to disappear. I no longer saw the animal as a tool, but as a warm, living companion capable of emotional resonance. This experience inspired me to create an experimental film that captures the emotional transformation sparked by human-nature connection—moments when genuine harmony generates positive energy. As the director of this work, I conceived a surreal narrative centered on my interaction with a horse, blending documentary footage with frame-by-frame animation. I performed in the film myself, using subtle body movements and close-ups of micro-expressions to express delicate emotional shifts. Like in my usual equestrian routines, I groomed the horse’s mane and sat quietly in the field. A montage-style progression guides the viewer into a space of contemplation, while the vivid hand-drawn animations highlight the emotional arc from suppression to peace.