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Arts & Communication Fostering civic values through short animations

a specific year of primary education within the subject of (iii) Soft Rain: The story is not recommended for classroom
social sciences and citizenship education. This additional use. Although the short animation conveys some
task aims to strengthen comprehension and solidify the values, it may not be suitable for children but rather
chosen value, thereby facilitating a practical application intended for adult audiences.
of the civic principles explored in the short animations. (iv) Watermelon (2021) by Kefei Li and Connie Qin
In essence, the aim is for participants to apply content He: This short film does not convey civic values.
curation methodology to short animations, cultivating The animation may contain content or themes that
critical thinking while also evaluating the tool’s capacity to are not suitable for educational settings aimed at
instill civic values in primary school children. instilling values in children or young audiences,
including scenes or elements that are not age-
Below are summaries of select short animations analyzed
by university students as part of their classification process: appropriate or do not align with the intended
educational objectives.
(i) The Present: This short animation portrays a
transformative encounter between a boy and a dog, 3.2.2. Short animations with values
emphasizing lessons of acceptance, diversity, and The following is a list of short animations based on the
resilience.
(ii) Mouse for Sale: This short animation reflects on the positive civic values instilled:
(i) Friendship, empathy, and gratitude (FEG): Joy
relevance of understanding others and how possessing and Heron (2018) by Passion Pictures (Xina)
complete information can cultivate empathy. (recommended age: 5+).
(iii) Joy and Heron: This movie explores the importance (ii) Resilience and others (RO): Preheated (2019) by Luke
of complete information in fostering empathy toward Snedecor and Sarah Heinz (recommended age: 12+).
others. (iii) Empathy and kindness (EK): Umbrella (2021) by
(iv) Ropes (Cuerdas, Spanish version): This short Helena Hilario and Mario Pece (recommended age:
animation, which won the Goya Award for Best 12+); Windup (2022) by Yibin Jiana (recommended
Spanish Animated Short Film in 2014, promotes age: varies, generally 9+); Kindness and Joy (2021)
several civic values throughout its narrative. Viewer (recommended age: 9+); When Nobody’s Watching
discretion is advised for those aged 15 and above. (recommended age: 9+; a post-COVID-19 short
(v) Bridge: This short animation highlights the significance animation that highlights the value of kindness in
of effective communication in resolving conflicts and everyday life); Dear Alice (2018) by Matt Cerini
underscores the negative consequences of physical (recommended age: 12+).
and verbal violence. (iv) Solidarity, compassion, inclusion, and proactivity
(vi) Ants: This short animation provides an opportunity to (SCPIP): Mr. Indifferent (2018) by Aryasb Feiz
reflect on social and civic values such as cooperation. (recommended age: 9+); Dust Buddies (2016) by Sam

The following subsections feature a list of short Guade and Beth Tomashek (recommended age: 8+);
animations along with their respective values or antivalues Ropes (Cuerdas, Spanish version) (2019) by Pedro
and age-based recommendations. Solos García (recommended age: 16+; recommended
for future teachers); Soar (2016) by Alice True
3.2.1. Short animations with negative or no value (recommended age: 7+); Mouse for Sale (2014) by
The following is a list of short animations with negative or Wountor Bongaerts (recommended age: 6+).
no values with their respective reasons: (v) Respect and dialogue (RD): Bridge (2014) by Ting
(i) Don’t Croak (2019) by Daun Kim: This short film does not Chian Tey (recommended age: 9+); The Present (2017)
convey civic values, and its content is inappropriate for by Jacob Frey (recommended age: 6+).
the target audience, i.e., contains elements or situations (vi) Hardworking, initiative, creativity, and critical
that are not appropriate for the intended audience, such thinking (HICCT): Ant (2019) by Julia Ocker
as violent imagery, inappropriate language, or themes (recommended age: 5+).
unsuitable for school-aged children. It should be noted that the recommended ages are
(ii) The Bread (2021) by GULU: This short film does approximate guidelines and should only be viewed as
not convey civic values. The animation may lack a general suggestions. It is crucial to consider the maturity
substantive educational message that encourages level and personal circumstances of the student group
understanding of societal norms, democratic before viewing. In other words, while the suggested
principles, or human rights, diminishing its potential ages offer a starting point for individuals, any other
as a pedagogical tool for civic education. considerations should also be taken into account when

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2024) 5 doi: 10.36922/ac.2806