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by Eva Pedroza and Fanny Sorgo
grade: 8
In making Tako Tsubo, Eva Pedroza and Fanny Sorgo opted for sophisticated watercolour drawings and very precise colour choices within a predominantly minimalist mise-en-scène, which proved to be the right solution for telling the protagonist’s unique story. At the festival CinemAUSTRIA.
Giving up on feelings
In the medical field, the term tako tsubo refers to a stress-induced cardiomyopathy, which can sometimes even be fatal. Taking their cue from these heart problems, which are inextricably linked to human emotions, directors Eva Pedroza and Fanny Sorgo created therefore the animated short film Tako Tsubo in 2024, which had its world premiere at the Berlinale 2024, won the Grand Post Award at the Tricky Women/Tricky Realities Film Festival and was presented in Italy at the festival CinemAUSTRIA 2024.
Tako Tsubo is therefore a very special and extremely sophisticated short film, both in terms of the subject matter and the graphics. Even a quick glance at the synopsis makes us realise in fact that we are dealing with something decidedly unusual. The story is about Mr Ham who, in order to stop suffering, decides to have his heart removed. The doctor tells him that this operation is possible, but that there is also the option of preserving his organ, so that it can be studied and better understood after the operation. But is it really possible to ‘give up’ one’s feelings? And above all, how can one manage them in the society in which we live?
A film that is apparently simple and of short running time, with few, essential dialogues, a complex reflection on feelings and the many facets of the human soul. Mr Ham thinks that after the operation he will be able to solve all his problems and finally stop suffering. But then why does he continue to bleed after the operation? And so, little by little, in a short film in which for the first few minutes the main protagonists were mainly dull colours in shades of green and blue, red immediately becomes the protagonist. A bright red, a red that indicates suffering, passion, love. The red of a large lake of blood that when the sun sets can take on an even more magnetic charm.
In making their little and precious Tako Tsubo, Eva Pedroza and Fanny Sorgo have opted for sophisticated watercolour designs and very precise colour choices within a predominantly minimalist mise-en-scène, which proved to be the right solution for staging the protagonist’s unique story. At the same time, a melancholy and contemplative approach completes the whole, without ever wanting to give definitive answers to the complex questions raised, but giving the viewer important food for thought. With Tako Tsubo, the two directors have therefore made a real jewel of contemporary animation. Can we really renounce our feelings, our suffering, our love? Sometimes it seems impossible to give up loving even cigarettes!
Original title: Tako Tsubo
Directed by: Eva Pedroza, Fanny Sorgo
Country/year: Austria, Germany / 2024
Running time: 6’
Genre: animation
Screenplay: Fanny Sorgo
Cinematography: Eva Pedroza
Produced by: Eva Pedroza, Fanny Sorgo, Maria Trigo Teixeira