Synopsis

This animated short takes place as an interview from a conceptual world. Peter Singer (Professor of Bioethics “world’s most influential living philosopher”) and Wouter Dijkstra (animation director) talk both from their respective character-role as Tree and Pear. The interview took place in conventional way with the important difference that all answers must come from the perspective of the fictional characters. Their answers correspond to the thoughts and theories they have as a human.

The Pear is in doubt about wether he should fall down from the tree and become part of the life cycle. To the displeasure of others he decides to keep hanging on the branch. Hungry worms are in need of pears to drop down. Consequently the soil and further existence of the tree and its pears depend on it. The Pear starts a conversation with the Tree about egoism, moralism and meaning. The Tree answers from his wisdom and years of experience as a Tree.

By using this method of role-playing, taking the role of later-to-be-animated characters, Wouter Dijkstra hopes to create more space and freedom to talk about difficult subjects. Using this inventive method Dijkstra hopes to find new access to discussions we have seen so many times in the same shape or form. This way the power of animation is used as a tool to achieve new ways of animated documentary.

Details

• Film Type:

  Animation, Documentary

• Genres:

  Philosophy, Absurdism, Moralism

• Country of Origin:

  Netherlands

• Film Language:

  English

Made possible by: Netherlands Film Fund

Wouter donated a personal €500,- to The Life You Can Save charity