JWAM alumna Esther Cheung recently won the Best Animated Short at Forest City Film Festival, the Air Canada Short or Video Award at Toronto Reel Asian, Best Animated Short Film at Roma Short Film Festival, as well as the International Character-Based 2D award from Los Angeles Animation Festival, for her second solo short film, Detours Ahead.
We spoke with Esther to learn about her inspirations, life beyond JWAM, and her favourite snorkelling spot.
Esther Cheung, JWAM alumna, 2023
Congratulations on the tremendous success of Detours Ahead! How did you come about the idea for this short film?
The film was inspired by my cross-Canada drive during the summer of 2021. It was peak Covid; when times were uncertain, cities were prisons and airplane travel was out of the question. I had just moved to a new city and had to find my way back to Toronto for my sister’s wedding. It was a time when anti-Asian rhetoric was high as people leaned on their prejudices with the desire to keep themselves safe. Detours Ahead is a reflection of those times exploring the grief and solitude that came with it.
Is it connected to your past work?
Yes. Detours Ahead builds on my previous solo film, In Passing, with recurring themes of history, home and place. It is always fascinating to me how we interact with our environment and how it shapes us as a culture. The vastness of the prairies allows for cities to sprawl sideways instead of vertically, while harsh winters force a robust city life to keep its citizens occupied. I always try to make the environment a character in the story. Canada’s landscape and contrasting seasons are featured prominently in Detours Ahead, through the Rockies, prairies and forests, while the Hong Kong cityscape and annual typhoon season are instrumental to the story of In Passing.
“I always try to make the environment a character in the story. Canada’s landscape and contrasting seasons are featured prominently in Detours Ahead, through the Rockies, prairies and forests, while the Hong Kong cityscape and annual typhoon season are instrumental to the story of In Passing.”
Are you working on any new projects?
I am currently in very early development on a new film although, it’s far too early to say very much at all.
Detours Ahead poster
How did the Master of Journalism (MJ) degree at JWAM help your career?
I finished my MJ degree in 2023. As a visual thinker who works day in and day out in animation, my visual communication skills are much stronger than my writing skills. Through my MJ, I was able to improve my writing—enough so to write a grant to fund my film.
Are there any course(s) that particularly stand out for you?
Imagine Journalism was an amazing course run by Mary-Lynn Young. This was the course that helped me develop my film idea to then apply for grants after my MJ. The course is very flexible, but is grounded in solid research and good writing. It is a chance to explore new ideas and mediums for your journalism skills to manifest.
“Imagine Journalism was an amazing course run by Mary-Lynn Young. This was the course that helped me develop my film idea to then apply for grants after my MJ.”
What are the key skills required by new graduates to succeed early in the industry today?
I still currently work in the animation industry first and foremost. But I believe being bold and putting yourself out there is vital for success in any industry. Work hard and do your best. Reach out and meet people. It’s always a plus to find a mentor.
What are your passions outside of your work?
I love anything that can get me outside. Hiking and camping are my favourites. I’ve also recently started snorkelling in the winter time to see all the ocean life around the shores of Vancouver.
Do you have a favourite snorkelling spot?
Not really a spot, but I have a favourite snorkelling memory. I snorkelled in a river during the salmon run, which was one of the most memorable so far. I saw salmon a metre long, and a bunch of seals as we flowed down into the estuary!
Do you have any advice for our students?
School is the best place to try new things and fail fast.
Relevant resources
