knock, knock? (2021)
Knock, Knock? (2021) is a short film made amid Melbourne’s pandemic lockdown. It follows two fugitive clowns looking for a hideout at a desert motel.
This short film has Auslan as the dialogue, a stop motion set for the background, and hand drawn 2D characters for the animation.
I was inspired to use Auslan after taking a beginners Auslan class in early 2021. This experience inspired me to research and create accessible cinema. In my research, I explored the importance of subtitling and the underrepresentation of sign language in animation.
As someone who is not a part of the Deaf community, I was grateful for the guidance and teachings of my Auslan mentor, Ramas. His input was pivotal in helping me to shape my storytelling. What’s more, Ramas’ presence in Knock Knock? also included providing footage for my Auslan dialogue that I later rotoscoped to form my characters’ communication. The set I built for Knock Knock? has deeply inspired me to pursue this craft again in the future. From turning shoe boxes to motel walls, and ordering 10kg of reptile sand to replicate a desert landscape, this film has ignited my passion for set building.
Video coming soon…
