Private Project

Have You Eaten?

Have You Eaten is a 2D slice-of-life, family, heart-warming animation, set in two events, the past and the present. The story follows a workaholic college student named KaiToon who is overwhelmed with her thesis. Her day consists of eating ramen and chips until she runs out and has to cook for herself, which leads to her finding what she needs during this stressful time.

  • Pavida Changkaew
    Director
  • Brina Huynh
    Co-Creator
  • Chiharu Park
    Producer
  • Amber Guo
    Animation Director
  • Rika Wu
    Art Director
  • Thinh Q. Ngo
    FX Animation Director
  • Dejay Pena
    Compositing Director
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Slice of Life
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 16, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Thai
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Savannah College of Art and Design
Director Biography - Pavida Changkaew

Pavida (Patty) Changkaew [Director] is originally from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, and graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in Animation. She is a visual storyteller specializing in storyboarding and concept development. Her passion lies in drawing and bringing ideas to life, while her goal is to connect with people and inspire a positive impact with heartfelt stories. Have You Eaten? is her first-directed animated short, co-written with Brina Huynh, and collaborated with over 80 artists on the team. She aspires to continue making more films and sharing her voice with the world.

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Director Statement

"Have You Eaten?" is a heartfelt exploration of familial bonds and cultural traditions. This slice-of-life, 2D animated short film is inspired by the Eastern custom of asking "Have you eaten?" as a way to inquire about someone's well-being. Drawing from my Thai background and enriched by the Vietnamese perspective of my co-writer, we aimed to create a story that resonates across cultures, highlighting the universal language of food as a symbol of love and care.

The film centers on KaiToon, a young writing student far from home, navigating the challenges of adulthood and the nostalgic memories of her childhood. Through her journey, we explore the delicate balance between pursuing one's dreams and maintaining the deep connections with family that sustain us. The character of Papa Toon, with his warm, protective nature, embodies the comforting presence of home and the importance of family support.

Visually, we chose a hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animation style to evoke a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. The art direction contrasts the cool, high-contrast tones of KaiToon's present life with the warm, watercolor hues of her past, underscoring the emotional dichotomy of her experiences.

"Have You Eaten?" is a tribute to all who travel far from home to chase their dreams, supported by the love and sacrifices of those they leave behind. It's a small reminder to cherish the simple acts of care, like sharing a meal, that connect us deeply. This film is a thank-you to my own family and to the 80 talented SCAD artists and 70 backers who brought this project to life.

I hope "Have You Eaten?" resonates with audiences, reminding them of the warmth of home and the enduring power of family connections.

Sincerely,

Pavida Changkaew