Our Picks: Gerascophobia by Shuangshuang Hao

Gerascophobia by Shuangshuang Hao

‘Gerascophobia’ is about a boy called ‘Mo’ who has fears for growing up and ageing. The little boy does many odd things to avoid growing up. The animation describes his mundane life moments, shows his fears of separation, mortality, taking responsibility, and standing out as an independent individual.

The ideas for the film came from director Shuangshuang Hao’s personal life experience and childhood memories with the theme of the animation about children’s fears and anxieties, and self-identity. The film focuses on childhood anxieties as a means of gaining insight to the anxieties of adults. As we mature, rationality and social pressures inhibit our instinctive responses as we learn to conceal our fears.