Zoopticon

About This Project

2023 | 29 min. | SUBs EN, DE

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 (in alphabetical order): Jon Frickey, Thies Mynther, Sandra Trostel
Screenplay (in alphabetical order): Jon Frickey, Christoph Mathieu, Thies Mynther, Sandra Trostel
Producer: Sandra Trostel, Fairy Bot Production
Design & Animation: Jon Frickey
Composition, Lyrics & Sound Design: Thies Mynther

Breakdown, Editing & Dramaturgy: Sandra Trostel
Voice Cast:

Sarah Thom, “Shimo” Dong Zhou, Alex Murray-Leslie, Amanda Romero, Achan Malonda, Jon Frickey, Veit Sprenger, Roosa Voima

FUNDED BY

FESTIVAL DISTRIBUTION

FESTIVAL | AWARDS

Curtas Vila do Conde International Film Festival 2023

AWARD for Best Animation, 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)

„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

Jury: Kareem Baholzer (Filmemacher, Programmer), Ivana Kvesic (Leiterin Fantoche), Michaela Metzger (Künstlerin)

„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.“