Synopsis

A socially-weary man rests in the bathroom to have time alone. A tree begins to grow in the bathroom while the man is spending comfortable time in the private space.

Director's Comment

The man seeks deeper and more separate spaces in order to have time to himself. However, he ultimately exists as part of a connected society which he can’t completely escape from. Is there a place in this society where he can get away and find real solitude? In our interpretation, modern individuals who are weary of society find refuge in the bathroom. The main character represents those individuals and is also part of a connected society. This portrayal visualizes the subconscious pain and internal conflicts felt by modern people within society.

Staff

Producer/Scenario/Storyboard/Lay Out/Camera KIM Huijae, SHIN Jiwoo, PARK Jae-eun

Character SHIN Jiwoo

BG/Effect/Sound/Editing KIM Huijae

Animation SHIN Jiwoo, PARK Jae-eun

Program Note

[Vacant | Occupied] uses audiovisuals to delicately explore the relationship between one’s personal space and psychological state. It follows the inner thoughts of a man, from the moment when he wants to be alone to the moment when he feels intruded upon by someone else’s gaze. The space organically transforms according to his mental state. As we pay attention to the changes in the minimalistic sounds, we experience a sense of both tension and liberation with a mixture of conflicting emotions. This fascinating work finely captures the comfort and anxiety that can be found in spaces.

KIM Kyeongbae