(Wool) Шерсть 

Synopsis

I'm Louis Veevers, and I'm very interested in a variety of environmental issues and the dangers of extinction for animals. This is the main theme of my animation project, which I am very passionate about. This animation is called шерсть (sherst) which is the Russian word for wool. The story is about a very unusual and intelligent species of sheep known as Moos wandering across the wilderness of Siberia.

 

The film opens with establishing shots of the Siberian forests and continues with the herd of sheep roaming across the snowy landscape. The herd enters a clearing where there is a tree stump surrounded by stones. They gather in the clearing until one of the Moos sprouts antlers, climbs onto the tree stump and then starts to dissolve into colourful pollen particles which float in the air until they settle on the assembled group of Moos who then give birth to Moollings. This is intended as a sign of hope for the possible survival of the species.

 

The Moollings are affectionately picked up and carried away by the herd as they continue on their nomadic wanderings until they reach the desolate landscape that represents the destruction of their habitat. Then they start a desperate but fruitless search for food within the snow in order to try to survive. 

 

I have recently become aware of environmental issues and climate change which accompanies the gradual extinction of animal species. The film has elements of hope shown by the birth of babies. The story line becomes progressively more and more desolate as they encounter forest destruction and then a lack of food 

 

The animation is shown in black and white with the exception of the reproductive pollen scene. The monotone visual is intended to give a feeling of the cold bleak snowy environment as well as a gentle tranquillity. The soundtrack and foley sound effects and the accompanying music will all contribute to the developing feeling of melancholy that I am trying to convey.