Itaca – rebel penelope

Ítaca

Advertising campaign for Marea Granate Manchester Christmas.
Final project by Teresa Marina.
Master’s Degree in Motion Graphics and Creative Direction – CICE Professional School of New Technologies.
Music: “Ocean” by Pablo Perez @oldperez
Software: Cinema 4D, Arnold, After Effects, Premiere.
August 2020

Marea Granate is a transnational, non-partisan, and feminist movement formed by migrants from the Spanish state and sympathizers, whose objective is to fight against the causes and those who have caused the economic and social crisis that forces us to migrate.

This collective emerged in the wake of other social movements that appeared in Spain in the early 2010s. They are the extension of these movements outside the country. Their tide is garnet, like the color of passports, a symbol of forced migration.

Marea Granate calls for analyzing and denouncing the destructive consequences of the current economic system: “on one hand, identifying the causes that have led us to leave our places of origin, our families, and our friendships; on the other hand, highlighting the difficult living conditions of migrant people.”

Storyboard

Project Context

My master’s final project revolves around a short film depicting the poignant voyage of a suitcase, serving as a profound metaphor for the immigrant experience. This film doubles as a powerful advocacy tool for the Marea Granate – Manchester (MGM) collective. Drawing inspiration from Konstantino Kavafis’ timeless poem “Ithaca,” the narrative embarks on a symbolic journey mirroring the trials and triumphs of immigration.

The journey unfolds as the suitcase, initially static in a foreground room, cascades onto a conveyor belt amid a sea of fellow luggage. Its distinct color scheme ensures it remains a focal point throughout. Ascending on the conveyor belt, the suitcase encounters various stages, each marked by icons elucidating the arduous processes of settling in a new land: language acquisition, housing search, job pursuit, and more. Transitioning through staircases adorned with informative visuals, the suitcase navigates obstacles akin to rings, representing the challenges faced along the way.

A pivotal moment arrives as the suitcase is caught in a net, where the bee emblem of Manchester emerges. Symbolizing the collective’s embrace, the net, fashioned with hexagons mirroring a beehive, signifies Marea Granate’s warm welcome. Resuming its journey, the suitcase rejoins the conveyor belt, eventually converging with a pile of fellow travelers in a final scene. Time elapses as they journey together, each bearing the marks of their shared experiences. Emerging from the tunnel, the suitcase, adorned with memories in sticker form, signifies resilience amidst adversity.

As the conveyor belt halts, the worn yet enriched suitcase returns to its starting point, symbolizing a poignant homecoming—a testament to the cyclical nature of migration and the enduring spirit of resilience.

Conclusions:

We all yearn for home, for that Ithaca where we can reconnect with our roots, bask in the familiarity of our past, and embrace the warmth of family ties. That’s why the idea of Ithaca, the mythical Greek island, hits home for so many of us in this story. It’s more than just a place; it symbolizes the journey back to our essence, our purpose.

Sure, “Ithaca” may seem like it’s about Odysseus’ epic journey back home after the Trojan War, but it speaks to a broader truth. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget that the real richness lies in the journey itself, not just the destination. And that’s the heart of our project: connecting Marea Granate as a brand with the shared experiences of Spanish emigrants.

The journey of a suitcase is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, from loneliness and challenges to triumphs and unexpected connections, like finding a supportive community in Marea Granate. They make the journey easier, but they also fuel the hope for that eventual return. And when that day comes, it’s not just about unpacking belongings; it’s about unpacking memories, stories, and a renewed sense of belonging—a true homecoming.

Literary reference