The Ones Who Walked Away From Omelas
Cinematic Title Sequence
In a collaborative effort, Ursla K. Le Guin's short story was given life with hazy, surreal footage.
Designer and Animator: Alaijah Hampton, Sabrina Guyton
Music: Chad Lawson - Chopin (Variation) Nocturne in F Minor Op. 55 No. 1 for Piano, Violin, Cello.,
The Story
“The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas” is a philosophical narrative that depicts a utopian society preparing for a summer festival; the descriptions showcasing a collective seemingly free from humanly troubles; an oasis of bliss, harmony, and happiness. Their existence is proof of prosperity and a prominent disconnect from the woes and torment that riddle our society.
However, it is revealed the suffering of one allows for the bliss of all. A child is tormented and abused, known to all the citizens of Omelas. Its anguish is viewed as a necessary evil. Anyone who chooses to aid the child calls upon the downfall of their way of life.
But, not everyone wishes to choose the misery of one for the greater good. They are known as the ones who walk away from Omelas.
The Goal
Omelas seems like a dream but is really a nightmare wrapped in illusion. Deception and fantasy are the two main concepts within the narrative. It's imperative that the visuals highlight these motifs in a way that captivates yet doesn't reveal the story's premise too much.
This project was created during Spring of 2020, when the world was facing a new reality of the Covid-19 pandemic. This project was exclusively creating through Google Drive and many FaceTime calls. We transformed royalty-free footage in what we thought the town of Omelas would look and feel like.
Word List
Acceptance, Allegory, Choice, Collectivity, Conflict, Consideration, Dream, Ethics, Freedom, Happiness, Humanity, Ideology, Illusion, Imagery, Individualism, Injustice, Integrity, Lightness/Darkness, Necessary Evil, Reality, Sacrifice, Selfishness, Society, Suffering, Symbolic, Utopia, Vague
Initial Style Frames
Final Style Frames
