Experiencing Interruptions?

Tick Tock

“Tick Tock” delves into the pressures we experience in life, especially the feeling that time is constantly running out. The protagonist, "Lost," finds himself trapped in an endless tunnel, representing the race of life where one is either expected to succeed or be replaced. Each failed attempt to open the door—a symbol of escape—adds to his mounting stress, pushing him toward his breaking point.

Tick Tock explores themes of spirituality, faith, and social justice through a symbolic journey that mirrors the relentless pressures of modern life. The protagonist, Lost—representing the youth—navigates a dark tunnel that symbolizes time and the journey of life. Words etched on the tunnel walls embody societal expectations and pressures, forming a trap we often create for ourselves.

The tunnel’s disappearing door represents the elusive nature of success and the seeming impossibility of escaping these pressures. The lights within the tunnel represent fleeting moments of hope and opportunity, but as they go out, the encroaching darkness signifies the overwhelming weight of stress and fear of failure. Complete darkness encapsulates the idea of failure itself, forcing Lost to confront his inner struggles.

Through introspection and resilience, Lost learns that survival is not about escaping the tunnel or "winning" but about finding strength and balance amidst these challenges. This journey reflects spiritual growth and a philosophical reckoning with societal pressures.

This theme particularly resonates within Asian communities, where the societal "rat race" often dictates the need to constantly "win" or risk being left behind. Tick Tock serves as a commentary on these shared pressures, encouraging balance, perseverance, and inner peace as pathways to resilience.

  • An Gie Lo
    Director
  • An Gie Lo
    Writer
  • An Gie Lo
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Horror, Fantasy, Burtonesque
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 31, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 MYR
  • Country of Origin:
    Malaysia
  • Country of Filming:
    Malaysia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Animation
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Dasein Academy of Art
Director Biography - An Gie Lo

www.linkedin.com/in/loangie

I graduated with a degree in Mechatronic Engineering but discovered my passion for animation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which inspired me to pursue formal training at Dasein Academy of Art in Malaysia. My final-year project, Tick Tock, became a deeply personal expression of my journey and aspirations as a storyteller.

Before venturing into animation professionally, I was a hobbyist, using storytelling and drawing as creative outlets. Today, I work as a project coordinator in an animation company, contributing to collaborative and creative endeavors.

Tick Tock is rooted in my personal experiences, reflecting the societal pressures and relentless drive to compete that many of us face. I hope its themes resonate with viewers and offer them a moment of reflection and connection.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Tick Tock originated from my desire to craft a personal story for my final-year academic project. I wanted to explore the interconnected themes of time, life, and societal expectations. The core message of the film is that survival in a high-pressure environment is not merely about winning or losing, but about finding resilience and balance amidst relentless challenges.

Through Lost’s journey, I aim to offer viewers a moment of reflection—a wake-up call, a shared resonance, or perhaps a soothing reminder to find meaning in the journey itself rather than focusing solely on the end goal.