'K. for Kafkaesque' is an animated film based on the novella "The Metamorphosis" by a German-speaking Bohemian novelist and short-story writer, widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures of 20th-century literature, Franz Kafka. This film was my Final project for the MA in Visual Communication, 2023 at the University for the Creative Arts.

K. FOR KAFKAESQUE
Statement

Since the day I read Kafka’s masterpiece “The Metamorphosis," whenever I see a “cockroach” or any insect, I always shout out loud! “Hey! “Gregor Samsa: "How are you doing? This is how this project began.

The insect things are more related to the Kafka type though because Franz Kafka led a miserable and anxious life, he was afflicted with various illnesses throughout his life, He suffered from insomnia, recurring coughs, night sweats, and similar difficulties, all of which are symptoms of tuberculosis. With his illness and isolation, Kafka felt like vermin, unwanted, reviled. Kafka demonstrates this in his unpublished “Letter to His Father,” where he refers to himself as “Ungeziefer” which is translated specifically as vermin or insect.

That’s why the word Kafkaesque? The word Kafkaesque derives from Kafka's fear and anxiety, which he captured in his stories. The term Kafkaesque has entered the world of literature to describe situations like those in Kafka’s writing. It's very important for the audience to understand the feelings of Kafkaesque. However, Kafka's ideas were not appreciated in his time, after a century, he became one of the most significant thinkers we are aware of.

I believe K. FOR KAFKAESQUE will motivate thinkers, readers, and bibliophiles to read more about Kafka and Kafkaesque things.

Disclaimer

This video is part of my Master's Major Project, 'K. FOR KAFKAESQUE', and it will help you understand the film briefly.

Credit

As this film is a student project by an individual, all credits such as Illustration and animation, Sound, Script, Art and Direction credits go to the Filmmaker Olie Rehman. This film was made under the supervision and guidance of tutors.

Supervising Producers:

  • Hugh Harwood (Programme Director, Graphic Design, Illustration & Animation)

  • Jack Coulson (Lead Lecturer, Visual Communication)

© University for the creative arts - UCA

© Oliur Rahman 2024

Special Thanks and Gratitude for the VOICE OVER:

Mr. Hugh Harwood

(Programme Director, Graphic Design, Illustration & Animation)

Festival Selection

  • First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Volume 1 - Pinewood Studios, United Kingdom - K. FOR KAFKAESQUE, August, 2024

Explore the full Project