Desperate Whale

Angelina is the DW024 a newly certified subconscious therapist. She descends to subconscious space of Caroline, who has already been infected by the virus. Angelina guides Caroline out of her psychological dilemma through practical actions. From the beginning, she would like to help Caroline to explain the rumour. Helping Caroline to scape by using hidden cameras to record evidence of sexual harassment by her boss. Finally, Angelina pulls Caroline out of the shadow of her mother's distrust. Influencing Caroline's subconscious and perceptions of past negative experiences through external factors. Angelina wants to rebuild Caroline's connection and trust in her inner self and the real world. Unfortunately, in the final collision of consciousness, their ideologies can not be unified. This treatment has had a significant impact on Angelina's professional beliefs and worldview.

  • Youwen Zhou
    Director
  • Youwen Zhou
    Writer
  • Sihan Zhang
    Producer
  • Yuanxu Li
    Director of Photography
  • Tiange Sun
    Key Cast
    "Angelina"
  • Jennifer Seele
    Key Cast
    "Caroline"
  • Jianzhen Cong
    Key Cast
    "Adam"
  • Peter Patterson
    Key Cast
    "Anton"
  • Meave Molloy
    Key Cast
    "Bella"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 24, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - The University of Sydney, SCA
Director Biography - Youwen Zhou

Youwen Zhou is a Sydney based short film director and writer. Presently, she is immersed in the pursuit of an MMI degree at the esteemed University of Sydney. Nurtured within the tapestry of a blended family background, she has honed a blend of sensitivity and acuity, empowering her to craft narratives with a profound sense of empathy. Youwen lives in China for 14 years and moved to Sydney to live 8 years now. Growing up in a multicultural environment allowed her to discover the common issues faced by female in different races. She wants to call on society to once again pay attention to the tragedies that occur as a result of the unjust treatment female face due to their gender through making films.

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Director Statement

From the general perspective, Desperate Whale is about that Angelina is the key trying to wake up girls like Caroline who have encountered hostility because of their gender. Let other female victims to realise that whether they are bullied, isolated, sexually harassed, or misunderstood by their parents, none of these things are their fault.

In recent years, an increasing number of people in society have become aware of the psychological challenges that women face due to gender-related issues. As a female director, both myself and my female friends have encountered gender discrimination and stereotypes. This film explores three typical dilemmas: the stigma of being labeled a promiscuous woman, the notion that a woman's career success is solely due to pleasing men, and the inability to empathise with the experiences of women despite being a mother due to the subtle influence of societal norms.

Furthermore, for the second perspective, the plea for help from Caroline to Angelina is like the desperate cry of a whale sending out a distress signal. This film aims to send a signal to society on behalf of all women who have experienced gender discrimination. It is intended to raise awareness about gender inequality in everyday life and calls on everyone to make a change.