“Chicken Run” Brings a Darkly Comic Take on Lost Dreams at Alexandria Short Film Festival

Written by\ Aya Salem

As part of the Alexandria Short Film Festival lineup, the South Korean short film “Chicken Run”, directed by Sang Feel Yook, offered audiences a unique cinematic experience blending dark comedy with emotional depth.

The film follows the story of a delivery man whose life appears ordinary at first, delivering chicken across the city. However, as the narrative unfolds, a surreal twist emerges—he gradually begins transforming into a literal chicken, symbolizing a deeper internal struggle.

Balancing lighthearted comedic elements with moments of intense emotional weight, the film explores themes of abandoned dreams and unfulfilled potential. The protagonist’s past, including giving up his dream of becoming a baseball player, adds a layer of relatability, allowing viewers to connect with his quiet despair.

Through its imaginative storytelling, “Chicken Run” reflects on the universal human experience of lost ambitions and the slow passage of time, where individuals often find themselves drifting away from who they once aspired to be. The film cleverly uses physical transformation as a metaphor for emotional and psychological change.

With a steady pace and compelling performances, the film succeeds in bringing complex emotions to life on screen. It ultimately delivers a powerful message urging viewers to give their dreams one final chance, suggesting that reclaiming oneself may still be possible.