Christina Wu’s ‘Outlandish’ Captures The Magic Of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Third-year CalArts student Christina Wu has released her delightful short film Outlandish on Youtube, perfectly timed for a midsummer night’s adventure.

The four-minute piece follows a sheltered child who ventures beyond the safety of their home and into a forest teeming with fantastical creatures, all in search of a lost friend. Wu explains the film was inspired by her own desire to step outside her comfort zone and grow through new experiences.

Visually, Outlandish stands out with its crisp animation and bold use of vibrant, primary colors. Wu skillfully employs scale and perspective, drawing the viewer deeper into the young protagonist’s emotional journey.

After overcoming early trepidation, the main character is swept into a fast-paced montage through a magical wilderness sequence that’s tightly edited, expertly scored, and brimming with energy and charm.

Wu’s portfolio showcases a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes artwork and links to her previous films, providing a broader glimpse of her artistic vision. A Bay Area native, Wu describes her passion for animation as rooted in “a lifelong love of drawing and storytelling,” with a focus on designing surreal, whimsical worlds and characters.