Thesis
The Last One is an animated film that explores the main causes of deforestation on the island of Maui. The goal of the film is to raise awareness of a topic that should be critically considered in further land-use planning.
Project Brief
The landscape of Maui has changed tremendously since the onset of industrialization. Deforestation as the direct result of industrialized agriculture, cattle farming, and housing development is drastically changing the island’s fragile ecosystem; making it more susceptible to drought, more rapid soil erosion, and the decline of valuable species. Each scene addresses a different cause of deforestation with visualizations layered with symbolism: from scythes representing the violent sacrifices of poorly planned development to conveyor belts moving cattle representing the mechanization of meat farming. The film leaves audiences with a speculated future, a visualization of what will happen if we continue down this path. The final scene pays homage to our ancestors by incorporating an ʻōlelo noʻeau that embodies the message of the film.