Video of the Week: These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

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Two of my favorite things in the world are progressive rock music and animation. I have reported on both on Culture Catch many times over the years. And since I am also a minister who does outreach to the homeless, this submission is a real trifecta for me. (And given that my first name is the same as the songwriter, maybe it's a quadrifecta?)

Working with Jethro Tull founder Ian Anderson, Iranian filmmaker Sam Chegini has created a wonderful animated video using the song "Aqualung." Staying away from the lyrics' more bawdy, prurient imagery, the short film works from Aqualung's situation as a homeless man, and focuses on homelessness and related issues. At one point, we see a man who looks like a corporate bigwig, but, apparently, is food insecure and ends up at a food bank. The video also includes a cameo by Mr. Anderson, in "rotoscoped" form.

The animation is simple but effective, and the overall effect is quite remarkable.

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