As Japan nears the half-year mark since the March 2011 earthquake, the topic is regaining importance in the national mindspace and nothing proves that more succinctly than 'Blind.'
Produced through Kickstarter funding, the 5-minute short film explores the idea of life in the country's capital in the wake of a nuclear disaster. Pedestrians all don customized and stylized gas masks, indicating the commonality of respirators, as mounted televisions indicate wind speeds and parts of the city that are irradiated. Morose, visceral and detailed, Blind subtly broadcasts a warning message to its viewers: "Turning away from today's reality will blind our future."
The unnamed protagonist attempts to stop an innocent girl from removing her mask, only to break the fourth wall. In the end, we're transported back to the present and are forced to acknowledge our hubris and what it's done.
Apocalyptic City Videos
'Blind' is a Short Film That Depicts a Post-Nuclear Tokyo
Trend Themes
1. Post-nuclear Disaster - Opportunity to develop and implement new technologies and systems to mitigate the effects of nuclear disasters and protect human life.
2. Respirator Customization - Potential for creating personalized and stylish gas masks to make safety equipment more appealing and accessible to the general public.
3. Warning Messaging in Media - Increasing use of storytelling to subtly communicate important messages and warnings about the consequences of inaction.
Industry Implications
1. Emergency Preparedness - Innovations in emergency response planning, infrastructure, and technology to address the aftermath of nuclear disasters.
2. Personal Protective Equipment - Opportunities for developing fashionable and customizable safety gear, such as gas masks and respirators, for widespread public use.
3. Film and Entertainment - Using film as a medium to educate and create awareness about social and environmental issues, encouraging viewers to take action.