Synopsis

On a dark, snowy night, a mystical entity in the shape of a lion mask emerges, bathed in the moonlight. Even amidst the oppressive darkness and heavy silence, he knows no fear. The moment his dynamic lion dance shatters the quiet, mystical lights scattered across the darkness surge toward him, joining together in a vibrant, swirling dance of their own...

Director's Comment

“Sanye (狻猊),” one of the poems from Hyangak Jabyeong Osu (鄕樂雜詠五首) written by Choe Chi-won during the Silla Dynasty, is the earliest historical record depicting the traditional Korean lion mask dance. Inspired by this historic poem, I sought to reinterpret the deep meaning and spiritual energy of the lion mask dance through modern music and visual language. The lion mask in traditional performing arts goes beyond a mere performer; it is an entity of Byeoksa (辟邪—warding off evil spirits), expelling evil forces with its mysterious talents and wishing for blessings upon households and peace within the village. To maximize this sacred role of the lion, the video begins against a backdrop steeped in darkness. As the lion appears and unfolds its dynamic dance movements, a mystical light gradually blossoms, and the dark, stagnant space is soon colored with the bright, warm energy of life. The lion captivates the audience by moving sometimes with strict majesty and at other times with playful humor. Within these ever-changing dance movements dwells the power and vitality of tradition, and the lion’s prayer for peace transcends time, reaching us in the modern era intact. Furthermore, by adding modern and global design elements to the unique beauty of the traditional Korean lion dance, I directed the piece so that the public can enjoy it fresh, without finding it difficult. Through this short yet intense visual work where the classic and the contemporary meet, I wish to share the profound symbolism and emotion of the lion mask dance with a wider audience.

Staff

Producer/Scenario/Storyboard/Character Design/BG Design/Lay Out/Animation/Effect/Sound/Music/Editing LEE Dasan

Program Note

A lion walks across the white snow. Its two eyes, illuminating the dark night, and its heavy movements convey an intense presence. Even within the biting winter landscape, the energy radiating from the lion fills its surroundings with heat. The dynamic camera movements reveal the power of a single being capable of filling the entire frame, making us long to encounter this overwhelming moment on the big screen.

PARK Juyeon