According to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right speak their mind freely. Atleast, that’s what our international institutions decided upon. In reality however, freedom of expression is not always a given. This animated short, made for Amnesty International, depicts the violent oppression of free speech happening worldwide.
I opted for an abstract style, devoid of speech as to resonate to the film's universal message. Oppression is everywhere, cutting across languages and cultures. The abstract approach and play with colors also helps to show how in oppressive cultures, diversity fades away, people become intoxicated and identities are erased to establish mono-cultures. As the film wraps up, you'll see the Amnesty symbol still shining bright. It's a hopeful reminder that, as long as we live, no matter how great the oppressor, no one can ever truly silence us.
