2026 Film: Silence

Silence by Yoona Hwang
Savannah, GA (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 3 minutes

Animated/ Drrama/ Coming of Age 

September 

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Tacet, a mischievous yet art-loving deaf boy, experiences a musical concert in his own unique way. By clutching a balloon to feel the stage’s vibrations, he transforms sound waves into a vivid visual journey. As star-shaped confetti dances within the balloon, Tacet’s imagination takes flight through endless bamboo forests and abstract shapes. When the music ends, he joins the audience with “silent applause,” raising and shaking his hands, celebrating a harmony that transcends sound.

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Directors Bio:

Yoona Hwang is a Storyboard Artist, 3D Generalist, and an MFA graduate in Animation from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Originally from South Korea, her passion for visual storytelling began at Gyeonggi Arts High School and continued through her studies in Media Contents & Technology at the Catholic University of Korea. Before specializing in animation, Yoona served as a Research Assistant for XR character modeling and worked as a Content and Advertisement Artist at Vibeon Corp.

During her time at SCAD, she expanded her expertise into industry-level production, notably serving as the 3D Art Director and Storyboard Artist for a SCADpro collaboration with Stride Inc. and as a Storyboard Artist for the SCAD Animation Studios film, “Inkwashed!” She also serves as the 3D Art Lead and Layout Artist for the upcoming film “Oasis Express” by the World of Korean Artists (WOKA). As the director of “Silence,” Yoona explores the intersection of accessibility and art, emphasizing the value of clear direction and inclusive communication. She aims to create stories that illuminate overlooked perspectives, fostering understanding through the power of animation.

Director's Statement:

“Silence” tells the story of Tacet, a deaf boy, at a musical concert who experiences music in his own unique way, transforming sound into visualizations through the vibrations of a balloon. While his hearing is limited, his other senses have sharpened to help him capture the vibrations and sound waves. As the confetti inside the balloon dances to the beat, he explores the shape of sound and appreciates music through his own sensory language.

“Silence” explores the experiences of individuals with disabilities, highlighting the everyday challenges they face and the importance of accessibility in our society. Through “Silence,” we envision a world where accessibility is a fundamental right, allowing everyone to enjoy their passions without obstacles. It is a call for those unaffected by these challenges to amplify their voices and advocate for change, fostering a deeper sense of understanding and empathy.

Audiences are invited to experience a concert from the perspective of someone who is hearing impaired, emphasizing the limitations of hearing aids in capturing sound. While it is impossible to fully replicate another’s lived experience, “Silence” offers a vital shift in perspective from the one we typically hold. By visualizing vibrations and sound waves, the film illustrates the enhanced sensory perceptions that individuals with hearing impairments develop. Ultimately, “Silence” seeks to promote awareness and inspire action towards a more inclusive society, dedicated to everyone who experiences and appreciates art in ways that are true to themselves.