An old man (George) sits on a flight of antiquated stone steps in the middle of nowhere, as an endless crowd surges past him. Where the crowd is headed is unclear. Who the old man waits for, we don’t know. But, as familiar faces emerge from the crowd, one by one, each seeking to persuade, seduce and finally to force the old man to join them, what we do know is that all is not as it appears to be. Increasingly determined not to move, not to give in to temptation, we begin to suspect that what the old man’s clinging to might just be life itself.

“Sounds of Life” is a visually stunning animated short. Surreal and dream-like, the film examines the determination of the human spirit and our will to live, through the psychological battle of one man (George). In what’s revealed as a transitory space between this world and the next, George will be tempted by death in all its guises, offering charity, companionship, love, sex and even the promise of eternal youth. As George resists temptation and remains steadfast, his desire to hold on to life resonates. In “Sounds of Life” it is life itself, though bittersweet that is the greatest gift of all.

A Flame47 and Antelope Entertainment production
For Flame47 Limited

Duration
10 minutes

Director
Stephen Johnson

Screenplay
Scott James Bassett

Producers
Scott James Bassett
Stephen Johnson
Gisela Evert