YAKAP (Embrace)

Chris, a young boy who saw the world through a lens of peculiarities, embarked on a transformative journey. As he excitedly embarked on his first interaction with another boy, his peers began to mock him. Over time, he concealed his true identity, grappling with humiliation and the weight of sad memories. However, as he matured, he gradually started to embrace his authentic self, marking the beginning of his journey towards self-acceptance.

  • Lesly Christian Silang
    Directed and Animated
  • Benigno Agapito Jr.
    Advised
  • MorningLightMusic Rights
    Music
  • RightsFreeSound
    Music
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Gender
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    10 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Philippines
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Mapúa University
Director
Director Statement

I was born a boy who was expected to grow old as a man who soon should have a family. Shortly after living as a kid, I realized I was different from the boys I encountered. I was so scared about myself getting distinguished as gay. I hid myself for several years.

Two years ago, in 2021, I could express my true identity as a gay man openly. I learned how to express myself through art. Music became my prominent source of motivation, and shortly after entering an art school, I learned to express myself through brushstrokes and colors. Now, I studied myself, deeply understood how I became who I am, and presented it through animation.

All egg shells have their own time to hatch, and their shells may be rugged, but after releasing them outside the shell, the new self will begin to grow