Dawn: A Tiny Sea Turtle’s Fight for Survival | Stunning Animation

Near the palm-strewn beaches of Komodo Island, a sea turtle hatches.  She is tiny and vulnerable, but must make her way to the ocean via a series of obstacles – the obstacles mostly being other animals that want to eat her.  Whether it’s birds, crabs of Komodo dragons, she has the challenge of her short lifetime in front of her.  Beautifully animated, this animated short by a group of ESMA students really keeps you on the edge of your seats, rooting for the hatchling as she navigates her way to the comparative safety of the ocean.

It’s quite amazing that this was created by students – it looks like a fully professional animation (I would have loved a commentary by David Attenborough!).  Dawn was directed by Chang YuFang, Dejoux Matthieu, Forestier Maxime, Jonckheere Lucas, Mercier Noah, Pradeilles Marie, Royer Apolline, and Stora Lorys, with music by Dorian Bonnardel (Philarmedia). Sound design was provided by Guilhem Favard, Mickaêl Merrheim, Yohann Poncet, and José Vicente.

Usurpingly, the animation is garnering a lot of positive comments on YouTube. Viewers have praised its realism, texture work and emotional storytelling, with one commenter describing it as “impressively realistic” and another calling it “GOAT animation”  (that’s greatest of all time, apparently). Several highlighted the hopeful ending and the dramatic perspective that turns the battling Komodo dragons into a giant “kaiju battle” from the tiny turtle’s point of view. Others commended the quality of the animation and sound design, with comments such as “Great work!”, “Very beautiful animation,” and “Incredible, bravo!” Recurring themes include admiration for the craftsmanship, appreciation that it is a human-made production, and emotional engagement with the turtle’s struggle for survival, with many viewers wishing the hatchling luck on its perilous journey. While a small minority criticised the story, the overwhelming response has been one of praise for the film’s artistry, atmosphere and technical achievement.