LOST NAME

佚名

Animation, Short,

China

2026

Runtime, min

Second-grader Cang Wenyou grew frustrated and indifferent because he couldn’t write his own name properly—little did he know that his name would vanish from his life as a result. Having lost his name, he was gradually forgotten by the world and swallowed up by darkness. Guided by the single remaining stroke of his name—the character for “one”—Cang Wenyou embarked on a journey to reclaim his name. Along the way, he came to understand the true significance of the transmission of written language, and ultimately, with the help of his ancestors, he recovered the name that belonged to him.

Director:

Haochen Du

Selections and Awards:

REVIEWS:

It is an interesting concept, but it feels like a strictly Chinese story about where names come from and the significance of written language. It didn't really hook me, probably because the cultural weight of writing isn't the same in other cultures.

Khatuna Beridze

I loved it.

Lena Schmidt

The metaphor of being swallowed up by darkness and gradually forgotten by the world just because you cannot write your name is terrifying and beautiful. highly philosophical short film.

Magnus Larsen

a fascinating blend of old traditions and new technology

Harper Evans

Nice Art Style

Live Screenings Attendee

nice artwork

Live Screenings Attendee

Nice ending

Live Screenings Attendee

Visual Style and transitions where amazing. Sound design/voice was good for most part

Live Screenings Attendee

Positive + minus ?

Live Screenings Attendee

A masterfully and poetically driven quest for identity

Adrien Pereira

The idea of a boy whose name vanishes from his life, leaving him swallowed by darkness, has a great psychological horror vibe. However, it quickly turns into a traditional cultural lesson.

Chen Wei