Imagine, a new animated film Indigenous education program AIME, is one of the most curious films I’ve seen in a while.
It follows a teenager, Kim, who is transported to a surreal otherworld and must escape in 24 hours or else be trapped there forever. With the help of a quippy alien dog named Jeff and the spirits of Aboriginal Elders, Kim embarks on a journey both of homecoming and self-discovery.
Started during the pandemic and featuring contributions from over 400 creatives, the film is incredibly audacious and attempts to tackle the big identity issues that are plaguing the kids of the digital age. The voice cast features both stars such as Wayne Blair, Taika Waititi, and Ian Thorpe and kids involved with the AIME program, all of whom give professional and impressive vocal performances and makes the film feel less like a condescending assessment of children’s lives made by adults and more like a child’s earnest rumination on their own life.
The film’s storyline is quite engaging and the animation is sharp, leaning heavily into the surrealism of Kim’s other world.
Imagine is a film worth seeing, especially because there is a disappointing lack of films made by Indigenous filmmakers. Imagine is a fun film that is sure to inspire creativity and self-discovery in its young audience.
Watch Trailer: