When Minnie feels alone from being left out, Ay, a girl Min drew in her notebook arrives to bring her back to a brighter side of life.
Director's Treatment
Imaginary friends is a concept that is close to my heart, but I’ve always struggled to find a story about them that resonated with me.
In today’s world, these stories are usually locked for children under teen ages, and those that depict an adult are quickly thrown with the concept of mental illness. Adding on, they are usually binary in their endings, with protagonists often choosing to let go of their imagined companions to embrace reality. The media stigmatism makes sharing these experiences as a young adult extremely awkward and uncomfortable. I personally feel there is a lack of accurate representation in the nuances of having a relationship with a friend who’s on a different plane of existence.
It is for these reasons, I strived to make a silent film that captured the kinship between a girl and her imaginary friend. My film uses 2D and 3D characters, minimal background elements, and watercolour textures to explore Minnie’s introspective world. The film is a glimpse into her memories and feelings of loneliness, and happiness with her imaginary friend, Ay.
Director's Biography
Ying Lei Zhang is an Asian Australian director based in Sydney, New South Wales. Growing up as the ‘silent kid’, she developed a keen sense of observation and affinity for creating imaginative worlds. Her passions for ballet, birdwatching, flute, and fishkeeping have shaped her artistic vision, influencing the unique characters and fantastical stories she brings to life.
Recently, Ying graduated from the University of Technology Sydney, with her debut solo short film, ‘My Friend in Red’. The film explores themes of loneliness and imaginary friends, and showcases her distinct hybrid animation style and silent storytelling.
At Armchair Productions, Ying is a 2D and 3D animator for the studio’s upcoming indie animated series ‘The Hunt'.
Ying aspires to direct animated feature films, and is currently continuing to develop her portfolio as a director.
