Masks 1997
Masks (1997), a poignant 8-minute animated short by director Elisa Rivas, explores the universal struggle against societal expectations through the eyes of a baby who instinctively rejects the masks his father wears.
Director: Elisa Rivas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Masks (1997) about?
Masks (1997) follows a child from infancy to adolescence who instinctively rejects the false personas society—and his father—expect him to adopt. Each refusal to conform is dismissed as "normal," but his defiance grows, culminating in a striking act of rebellion involving helium-filled disguises.
Who directed Masks?
Masks was directed by Elisa Rivas, a filmmaker known for her distinctive animated storytelling and ability to blend surrealism with social critique.
Who stars in Masks?
The cast for Masks (1997) is not listed in the available data, though the film focuses on an unnamed protagonist and his father.
Is Masks (1997) worth watching?
While Masks (1997) is a brief animated short, its sharp themes about authenticity and societal pressure make it a thought-provoking watch. Its unique visual style and concise storytelling offer a punchy experience best enjoyed by fans of animated social commentary.
How long is Masks?
Masks (1997) has a runtime of 8 minutes.
About Masks (1997) — A Baby's Cry Against the World's Fake Smiles
Masks (1997), a poignant 8-minute animated short by director Elisa Rivas, explores the universal struggle against societal expectations through the eyes of a baby who instinctively rejects the masks his father wears. From infancy to adolescence, the protagonist's refusal to conform grows louder—first as tears, then as outright defiance—each rejection met with clinical dismissal by psychiatrists who label him "normal." School, another stage for pretense, offers no refuge, and his teenage rebellion takes a surreal turn when he fills his father's disguises with helium, transforming them from symbols of falsity into buoyant declarations of truth.
This visually inventive film blends minimalist animation with sharp social commentary, capturing the suffocating weight of conformity and the quiet courage of authenticity. Rivas crafts an atmosphere of surreal tension, where masks aren't just worn—they're inflated, dissected, and ultimately deflated. Masks (1997) resonates as both a critique of performative living and a celebration of unapologetic individuality.