“The Present” is a five-minute short film directed by Jacob Frey that has received more than 10.5 million views.
Frey’s name probably doesn’t ring a bell for you either. Frey is a German animation expert who decided to try his hand at directing in 2008, although 2016 has been his year.
“The Present” has moved thousands of people with the beauty and simplicity of its story (and, visually, it is an absolute marvel). But it brings a tear to the eyes of us Aristopeters (you’ve been warned) because it deals with a subject that, especially for us, touches our hearts.
It tells the story of a slightly unusual boy who receives a gift that changes his life forever. At this point, if you haven’t seen it, we encourage you to watch it, so you can’t complain that we spoil the short film with the comments that follow.
Moving, isn’t it? And how much truth those five minutes contain. With barely any need for words.
We have a boy who is obsessed with video games, withdrawn and angry at the world. This boy receives a gift from his mother. A hilarious and very special furry friend, since he is missing a leg. At first pleasantly surprised, the boy becomes disappointed when he notices the dog’s physical disability. And he rejects him. But the dog, unaware of his disdain, starts playing and being himself, and little by little manages to bring a smile to the boy’s face. Until, of course, he wins him over.
The dog shows the boy that, despite having mobility problems, nothing can stop him. He lives a normal life, never loses his joy and energy, and never stops playing. The boy sees himself in him. And he understands that having a physical limitation doesn’t mean he should isolate himself or turn his back on the world. Quite the opposite. He decides to put down the video games and go out into the world. To breathe, play, and share his life with his dog.
This short film addresses three fundamental topics: the importance of adoption and how crucial it is, especially in cases like this dog’s. Without the generosity and unconditional love the boy’s mother feels for pets, that dog very likely would never have found a family (as happens to so many others in real life).
The short film also talks about responsible pet ownership. In this case, the gift is not the result of a whim or a fad. The mother gives her son the dog knowing that he is going to play a fundamental role in the boy’s life: he will always be his companion.
Finally, this short film reminds us of something that is being emphasized more and more: pets improve people’s lives. It’s not that they make us better; they help us. They help our bodies and, above all, our spirits feel better, and they help our self-esteem grow. Their unconditional love completes us.
For all these reasons, the short film “The Present” has moved us all. When art becomes involved in a good cause and has a purpose, its impact is more powerful than what can be achieved in any other way. So if you enjoyed this video and think it can help raise awareness, share it!