MINOTAUR

A loose interpretation of the Minoan myth, as seen
through the monster's point of view. Abandoned in a
labyrinthine island, the childlike minotaur has as his only
companion a playful red ball and a multitude of mirrors.
When he sees his own image he imagines himself
dancing in perfect synchronicity with a mysterious other.
But new characters are brought to the island, and they
don't behave like his choreographed twins. Confused and
frustrated, the creature has to learn to adapt to a world
of uncertainty. But when he can't, the monster's true
nature is revealed.

Technique: Most of the character animation was originally
hand-drawn on a light table, cut out and mounted on
rigid cardboard. This was done so that each replacement
could stand up vertically within a three-dimensional set.
The set was then lit with fiber-optic lights and shot in
stop-motion, using a 16mm Bolex camera. Some of the
animation was done as hinged cut-out puppets on glass,
using a multi-plane rig.

 

1998, 8 minutes, 16mm
Directed and animated by Daniel Sousa
Sound Design by Dan Golden
Cello played by Judy Rubin

 

Festivals and Awards

Anima Mundi International Animation Festival, Brazil
Melbourne International Film Festival, Australia
New England Film Festival, MA • Honorable Mention
Atlanta Film and Video Festival, GA • Honorable Mention
Humboldt International Film Festival, CA • Best Animation
Big Muddy Film Festival, IL