Non-Verbal Communication Through Visual Storytelling: UMBRELLA Animated Short Film

Abstract

Non-verbal communication has a pivotal role in the contemporary era. The trend towards non-verbal visual storytelling is burgeoning due to its diverse advantages. This study focuses on the nonverbal clues and expressions that enhance the storyline of animated films in visual form and make an emotional connection with the audience. Animation possesses the capacity to elucidate non-verbal communication more effectively. It holds paramount importance in enriching the emotional depth of movies or actions. It significantly contributes to overcoming language barriers by producing emotionally engaging films with non-verbal elements at both national and international scales. Describing non-verbal communication through animation enhances the value of both emotions and animated content. Researchers have employed a descriptive-qualitative approach, utilising content analysis, to delve into various facets of non-verbal communication. These encompass kinesics, haptics, proxemics, oculesics, and facial expressions. The outcome of this study reveals that the genuine source of emotions lies in non-verbal communication. The results also showed that this short film encapsulates a spectrum of emotions, ranging from grief to exuberance, from ennui to being immersed in reminiscence, embodying a comprehensive array of emotions. Employing content analysis in this study highlights the importance of facial expressions, gestures, postures, eye movements, behaviour, and characters' appearances. Understanding these methods to know about nonverbal communication is the understanding of the basic units of visual storytelling.