Very much inspired by the works of the Japanese film-maker Hayao Miyazaki and the graphic universe of the Nintendo DS video game Animal Crossing, director Katy Wang has created a world with soft hues, simple, round drawings and texture almost akin to a painting – which is what she likes to do for her short films.
What happens when we are sitting snugly in the back seat of the family car? Forests takes us into the heart of a forest, deep into a mountain range, to a place where the magic of nature reigns supreme. We follow the inner escapades of a young bear, a child whose dreams take flight as he gazes at the parade of landscapes from behind the car window. While he sits comfortably in his back-seat cocoon, he goes on a marvellous imaginary journey, leaping over the mountains on the back of a giant dog and meeting all manner of amazing animals. The atmosphere evokes a winter’s night tucked up in a warm abode while rain beats down outside. And this charming short film also triggers a certain nostalgia for childhood.
Embellished by a beautiful song by the London musician Tom Rosenthal, whose voice calms us as he plays a soft folk melody on his guitar, this is a journey we are happy to go along on. The lyrics soothe us, and encourage us to embrace this adventure.
