Rui Jin

Abstract

My film intends to draw public awareness to the quick disappearing of traditional performing arts due to the gap caused by fast advancement of technology. Film, TV, Internet and video games have diverted public interests from old performing arts. It discusses modernity vs. antiquity. How can we progress without sacrificing all we have inherited from our ancestors. In the film, this idea is demonstrated by two trembling hands trying to reach each other – one from the marionette and the other from the old performer. They all have the same dream: laughter and cheers from children. But before the hands join together, the old performer dies and the marionette is also de-stringed; the link between the performing arts and the performer is broken. Later, when the grandson of the old performer comes to collect his belongings, the marionette is found; but the child, unaware of its value, quickly loses interests and dumps it into a box. Unfortunately such metaphor is daily facts in a fast developing country like China, where I came from. As technology and communication advance, the world is becoming more and more like a small village, we are becoming more and more like each other; but, how can we still maintain our individual identity while being a global villager? Preserving our cultural heritage is one of the answers.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Computer animation--Technique; Computer animation--Themes, motives; Animated films--Technique; Animated films--Themes, motives; Short films--Technique; Short films--Themes, motives; Marionettes--Drama; Performing arts--Drama

Publication Date

11-1-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Film and Animation (CIAS)

Advisor

Lester, Howard

Advisor/Committee Member

Webby, Ferris

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TR897.7 .J467 2008

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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