Planet Classroom News - Perspectives on Life, Society, and Culture by Global Youth

Artist Spotlight - Filmmaker Morning Wu

The Planet Classroom Network has been fortunate enough to provide a space for a number of artists, directors, and filmmakers, including Morning Wu. Wu is a filmmaker, animator, and video editor known primarily for her range of animated, short films. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation, and currently credits her days to “making 2D animations, creating music videos, and working on post-production VFX and editing,” according to her personal website.

Wu’s films featured on the Planet Classroom Network include:

• Shadow
• To The Highest Point Near the Sun
• MONSTA

Shadow

Shadow is an experimental, animated story that highlights the struggles of childhood and the inevitable loss of it. Wu portrays large, dark creatures that storm a village filled with primarily children. They frighten the children and proceed to collect the very essence of what seemingly makes them innocent. 

Shadow is nothing but a captivating piece of visual media suited for all audiences. 

Critique on Shadow: Shadow Presents a Unique, Honest View of Childhood and the Loss of Innocence

Filmmaker Ethan Thomas praises the work of Morning Wu in Shadow, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Thomas recognizes the realities of youth and adolescence, and applauds Wu’s ability to capture these feelings in a unique creative light.

Thomas states, “Wu uses a visually rich animation style in her short film to address innocence and loss in an original, bold, and engaging way. The film can serve as a reminder of what is lost with age and how some yearn for the love and innocence that we leave behind.”

To the Highest Point Near the Sun

To the Highest Point Near the Sun is another one of Morning Wu’s animated, experimental narratives. However, this film highly distinguishes itself by showcasing multiple forms of art, including over 300 photos taken from California, Paris, China (and the flights in between), collage paintings, computer animations and video footage - all collected from 2010 to 2020. 

This visual short was essentially curated to fit the theme of belongingness while enveloping aspects from the past, present, and future.

Critique on To the Highest Point Near the Sun: Traveling Far to Fully Belong

To the Highest Point Near the Sun is highly appreciated in a film critique by journalist Rhea Mursalin, who shines a light on the unparalleled creativity behind the project. Giving the film 5 out of 5 stars, Mursalin expresses that the approach toward the film itself is what grants an authentic and unpredictable narrative. 

Mursalin states, “The concept itself seems very new and experimental, creating an unpredictable nature throughout the narration of the short film. Moreover, having the protagonist move through space and unrecognizable elements until they are greeted with the extension of another hand was very gratifying.”

MONSTA

MONSTA is an animated short that tells the story of a villager who discovers a piece of fruit and is subsequently chased into the woods by a monster. Morning Wu utilizes a more cartoon-like animation in MONSTA than in her previous works, contributing to an endearing quality captured in both the design and the storytelling of the film. 

MONSTA possesses a wholesome twist of events in the storyline that adds to its ultimately charming qualities.

Critique on MONSTA: Monsta by Morning Wu is Engaging

Author Avril Rowland delivers a concise critique on MONSTA filled with nothing but compliments. Rowland points out her admiration for the cheerful nature of the film and recommends it as a must watch for younger children.

Focusing briefly on the design elements of the film, Rowland states, “the painterly cartoon style is unique and engaging, made with bright colors and well-designed characters. The monster’s movements are particularly smooth and well animated.”

To learn more about the art created by Morning Wu, visit her website.