"The Wrong Rock" by Michael Cawood @ HEROmation Award Winning CGI Animated Short Film

Martin the mushroom was born on the wrong rock. Martin overcomes enormous challenges to travel to a far away rock where he hopes to be accepted. This is a story about equality and putting aside our differences for the greater good.

1. First I want you to summarize the story. Pretend I have never watched the short film before and need to understand what is happening to understand your answers to the following questions.

2. How does the main character change or grow throughout the story?

3. What is the main conflict of the story? Is there only one main conflict or are there other minor conflicts?

4. Do you feel the conflict(s) could have been avoided? Why or why not?

5. What do you think is the main lesson(s) that the creators were trying to convey in their film?

6. How do we see the film’s ideas and/or lessons in the real world? Your answer should be similar to the “universal observation” that you included in your concluding paragraph for your Romeo and Juliet essays.

1. "The Wrong Rock" is a CGI animated short film about a mushroom named Martin who is born on a rock where he doesn't belong. Despite facing numerous challenges and being rejected by the other rocks, Martin embarks on a journey to find a distant rock where he hopes to be accepted. Along the way, he encounters different creatures and landscapes, highlighting the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Ultimately, Martin's perseverance pays off, and he finds a rock where he is finally embraced and celebrated for who he is.

2. Throughout the story, the main character, Martin, undergoes a significant change. Initially feeling out of place and rejected, he becomes determined and resilient as he sets out on his journey. He learns to overcome his fears and face the challenges head-on, ultimately finding acceptance and belonging on the distant rock. Martin's growth is evident in his transformation from a vulnerable mushroom to a confident individual who embraces his differences.

3. The main conflict of the story is Martin's struggle to belong and be accepted. He faces rejection and isolation on his home rock, which motivates him to seek out a place where he can fit in. There are also minor conflicts along his journey, such as encountering dangerous creatures and navigating treacherous terrains.

4. While the conflict of Martin's struggle to belong may seem unavoidable at first, it could be argued that the other rocks could have been more open-minded and accepting of someone different from themselves. If they had been willing to embrace diversity and celebrate individuality, the conflict could have been resolved without Martin having to leave his home rock. However, it is also possible that the journey and challenges he faces along the way contribute to his personal growth and ultimately lead him to find a place where he is truly appreciated.

5. The creators of "The Wrong Rock" aim to convey the importance of equality and embracing differences for the greater good. The main lesson is that society should not judge or exclude individuals based on their differences, but rather celebrate diversity and provide equal opportunities for everyone to thrive. The film emphasizes the power of acceptance and inclusion in creating a harmonious and equitable community.

6. In the real world, the ideas and lessons of "The Wrong Rock" are reflected in various aspects of society. The film highlights the struggles faced by individuals who are perceived as different or don't conform to societal norms, urging us to challenge our biases and embrace diversity. It encourages us to create inclusive environments where everyone feels accepted, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By promoting equality and understanding, we can build a more tolerant and compassionate society that celebrates the uniqueness of each individual.