Watch: Entrancing Animated Short ‘[O]’ Set in a World Based on Sound

Watch: Entrancing Animated Short ‘[O]’ Set in a World Based on Sound

by Alex Billington
December 20, 2023
Source: Vimeo

This strange, one-of-a-kind animated short film has finally made its way online after originally premiering over 6 years ago. [O] is an animated made by filmmakers Mario Radev and Chiara Sgatti – both based in London. It debuted in 2017 at Raindance and other fests, played in 2018 at the Sundance and Annecy Film Festivals, with many other stops. Originally an animation school graduation film for both Mario and Chiara. “This film imitates the functioning of nature. Life cycles are represented in a world entirely based on sound frequency and vibration.” Perhaps a few of you already caught this at a festival, if not, you are in for a treat. I’d put this high on a list of “I’ve never seen anything like it” visuals. The 6-minute short is a 2D animated film with some of the kookiest, freaky creatures & characters – reminds me of other horror shorts Something in the Garden and Playground. The sound design is as important as the visuals in this, with some eerie and disturbing sounds that you will never forget. It’s hard to describe it any further – view the short in full below.

Thanks to Vimeo Staff Picks for the tip on this being available to watch. Intro from Vimeo: “[O] imitates nature in its manner of operation. The film depicts cycles in a world entirely based on sound frequency and vibration.” [O] is a short film written and directed by the animation filmmakers Mario Radev and Chiara Sgatti. Radev is a visual artist & filmmaker based in London. He works as a director, animator, illustrator, visual performer and educator. See more of his work on his Vimeo or visit his official site or follow him on IG @marioradev_. Sgatti is a Cel Animator based in London, with an MA in animation from Royal College of Art, and a BA from the LCC. See more of his work on his Vimeo or visit his official site or follow him on IG @sgattichiara. This short originally premiered in 2017 at the Raindance Film Festival, and it also played at Sundance in 2018, screening at over 60 film festivals. Sound Design and Music by Toni Quiroga at Accept Productions. For more info on the film, visit Vimeo or Radev’s site. To discover more short films, click here.

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