Steven Vander Meer

An undaunted filmmaker searches for inspiration... and a bathroom.

Hunky Dory juxtaposes scenes of animal life with images of human existence, observing the quirky and unexpected ways in which we are similar. The meticulously hand-drawn animation is a visual smorgasbord, moving and morphing in perfect time to the banjo music of Béla Fleck and his bandmates in My Bluegrass Heart.

The protagonist in Notice of Rejection appears to be unmoved by historical barbarism and societal injustice -- until Rejection hits home -- then it's a different story. Turning to social media, no one "likes", nor do they follow or even comment on his predicament. He calls the authorities, to no avail. Now completely obsessed, he becomes an activist and goes looking for acknowledgment, only to have doors slammed in his face. Even a public protest fails to elicit a whisper of sympathy; it's time to let go, so he buries his passion. Having shed the burden, our protagonist turns a new leaf - he decides to see if rejection can be turned around, made benevolent, and perhaps even grow into something that changes his life.