Chu-Chieh Lee captures emotional resilience in Minus Plus Multiply
Minus Plus Multiply is an evocative short film by Taiwan-born, London-based animation director Chu-Chieh Lee.
Created in 2023, the film has garnered international acclaim, screening at over 50 film festivals worldwide, including Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Animafest Zagreb, and Taiwan’s Golden Horse Film Festival.
It also earned Lee the Most Promising Filmmaker award at the Ann Arbor Film Festival, highlighting the emotional depth and technical mastery that define her approach to animated storytelling.
The film thoughtfully addresses themes of self-identity, emotional resilience, and mental well-being through the intimate lens of a character navigating disconnection and belonging.
Set within an abstract yet emotionally resonant world, the protagonist wrestles with feelings of alienation, shaped by both cultural displacement and personal loss.
Using the symbolic motif of containers and spatial environments, the narrative becomes a layered reflection on the search for emotional sanctuary and personal meaning.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Minus Plus Multiply is its rich blend of media. The project moves seamlessly from 2D to 3D animation, echoing the protagonist’s internal transformation.
Techniques such as handmade ceramics, 3D printing, laser cutting, and replacement animation are employed not just for visual appeal, but to deepen the film’s emotional texture.
These evolving visuals mirror the protagonist’s journey, visually charting her shifting state of mind as she begins to rebuild her sense of self.
Chu-Chieh Lee’s personal experiences as an immigrant directly inform the film’s emotional core. Having navigated new cultural landscapes herself, she brings an authenticity to the protagonist’s journey.
The narrative touches on the quiet struggles many face in unfamiliar environments, whether adapting to a different culture, dealing with separation from loved ones, or confronting an inner sense of isolation.
These moments of uncertainty and self-questioning are depicted with empathy, inviting viewers to connect through shared feelings of vulnerability and growth.
With a background in animation and motion graphics, Chu-Chieh Lee’s artistic style is known for its engaging, character-driven visual storytelling.
Her playful yet emotionally intelligent approach allows Minus Plus Multiply to resonate widely while remaining deeply personal.
As an artist, Chu-Chieh Lee transforms handcrafted objects into moving works of art, turning static forms into animated sequences that feel both tangible and emotionally nuanced.
All images courtesy of Chu-Chieh Lee
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