Trapped

This movie tells the story of a man with dissociative identity disorder who is trapped in a confined space for over three years. It also reflects on social issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and religious freedom. The film explores human adaptability and courage in times of hardship, as well as how to overcome inner fears and find the path to freedom and growth.

  • Michael K Freeman
    Director
  • Michael K Freeman
    Writer
  • Michael K Freeman
    Producer
  • Michael K Freeman
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    39 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 31, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Language:
    Chinese
  • Shooting Format:
    DIGTAL
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Screen Power Film Festival

    Experimental Short Films
  • Luleå International Film Festival

    Best Director Short Film
  • Rameshwaram International Film Festival

    International Competition - Short Films
Director Biography - Michael K Freeman

I have experience directing commercial 2D and 3D animations as well as short videos, but art has always been my passion. This will be my first attempt at directing, writing, and starring in a self-produced experimental film.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out globally, causing a series of difficulties, especially in China, where the containment measures were the strictest.

During the three years of the pandemic, some people were grateful for the government's implementation of the world's most stringent epidemic prevention measures, while others lost their jobs or even their lives due to being forcibly quarantined at home. Some spoke out against inhumane epidemic prevention measures and were silenced or imprisoned. Even after the pandemic, many Chinese people still cannot escape its impact, and most are unwilling to remove their masks. The difficulties of the post-pandemic era still exist in the hearts of every Chinese person.

The root of these difficulties can be traced back to China's history, culture, and political system. Chinese people have never truly enjoyed freedom and equality, and the relationship between the government and the people is full of complexity and contradictions. This is also true regarding religious beliefs.

The protagonist in the film suffers from dissociative identity disorder, just like the Chinese people, possessing complex contradictions and multiple facets. He is trapped within his different personalities, wanting to shout out but is mute, just like the speechless Chinese society without freedom of speech. His personalities do not know each other's existence, just like the information blockade in China, where you can only see what the government wants you to see. He is trapped in a small room, just like the Chinese people caught in the Great Firewall, unable to escape their history, culture, and political system. The Chinese people are self-enclosed, just like how the protagonist's different personalities sealed off their own hobbies at the end of the film.

However, I believe that only by maintaining faith and courage can we seek freedom and redemption. This is why I made this film.