The Present

The animated short film directed by Jacob Frey presents the story of a boy who, due to his disability, spends most of his time playing video games at home. However, one day, when his mother arrives, she gives him a special gift: a box that contained a puppy. When he opens it, the boy shows a mix of emotions. At first, seeing the puppy makes him happy; however, upon noticing that the puppy has an amputated leg, he immediately feels disgusted, and the puppy is rejected.

Before his mom arrived home, the boy used to enjoy playing video games without interruptions. But later, despite his initial displeasure, his attention is captured by the dog, who insists on playing with him. Throughout the short film, it is observed how the boy, who seemed uninterested in everything around him, begins to have a change in attitude. The puppy, which was initially despised, manages to win the boy’s affection by showing enthusiasm, vitality, and joy despite its disability.

Finally, it is revealed more clearly that the boy also has a physical disability in one of his legs, as he is seen needing crutches to walk. This image creates an emotional bond. Both characters share a connection and complement each other; the boy learns from the puppy, and they start playing together. Here, what was intended to be just a gift turns into a reminder of overcoming challenges and embracing acceptance.

This story represents how prejudices and negative attitudes towards life events can be transformed. It also highlights the importance of accepting differences and how a disability should not be seen as a limitation but as an opportunity for resilience and learning. In the past, the boy would react negatively and indifferently to certain things; however, he learned to accept and enjoy reality.

Influence of Traditions

Through the short film, we can witness how family and social traditions shape our behavior and expectations. We see the case of the boy, whose fondness and focus on video games, leaving him almost absorbed, can be seen as a reflection of the cultural and technological impact on his generation. However, upon receiving the present, the puppy represented an opportunity to step out of the pattern and explore other forms of interaction.

Another example of traditions in this short film is the tradition of giving gifts. In family contexts, it is used to strengthen bonds among family members. After receiving the dog as a gift, the joy of the surprise disappears when he notices the animal's disability, considering it an unfit or unpleasant gift.

At first, he is shown reacting negatively to the gift, as he used to have a different vision of what a surprise should be. The short film shows how societal expectations about how gifts and reactions should be are imposed on the boy. However, as the story progresses, the boy is shown reconciling with his new pet. This transition demonstrates how traditions, although they used to be seen as something clearly positive, can be transformed depending on an individual's personal perspective and circumstances.