Synopsis

Young, a plant rescuer, worries about her depressed companion plant, Ionantha. Young recalls Nokyoung, who once was a match for Ionantha, and Io, companion of Nokyoung. Once more for her Ionantha, Young heads to Io's garden where something was waiting for Young to discover. There the story begins, with the sound of 'Ionantha, Ionantha'.

Director's Comment

Ionantha Ionantha intersects with my life at the following three points. First, being or doing queer. Second, dipping a feet in post-humanism and species equality. Third, believing in narratives rather than emotions and definitions.

Staff

Producer/Scenario/Storyboard/Character/BG/Animation/Sound/Editing PARK Sohyun

Music LEE Chaeeun

Detailed description

The love of flowers is so much like human love, so how can we tell them apart? Ionantha, the companion plant, dedicates its entire life to a single blooming. It grows and waits for that singular moment when it finally blossoms. A flower that blooms only once in its life for someone may be a symbol of devotion, both finite and desperate. Meanwhile, human love blooms and withers and blooms again, no matter how brilliant those moments may be. These moments are marked by choice and regret. So how can they always be as “pure” as a flower? Two people fell in love after being drawn to each other’s companion plants. They experience the withering that comes with separation, and then bloom again by being reunited. Sometimes it may feel awkward, but like a dried petal that blossoms again in a cup of tea, love is ultimately a life cycle of blooming and withering.

KIM Dam