First Born is an animated short film made in 2020 by students from the San José State University Animation/Illustration Program.
Arthur B. Li, the titular first born, aims to win a kung fu tournament so his father will praise him like he praises his younger sister for her several past victories.
This animation has nothing to do with the book Firstborn.
Tropes:
- All There in the Manual: Arthur's sister isn't called by name in the story but additional materials reveal her given name to be "Aurora".
- Match Cut: When Arthur and his family arrive at the tournament's place, there's a close up of Arthur at his car seat. The scene cuts to one where he's in the same position but inside the stadium and watching his sister receiving another first place trophy.
- Missing Mom: The protagonist is a minor whose mother is never seen.
- Mysterious Middle Initial: Arthur B. Li
- Nameless Narrative: Arthur B. Li is the only named character in the story (unless his sister and his father presumably having the same surname makes them count as named characters) and the viewers only know his name because of the two brief moments it's seen. The moment he looks at a certificate of participation he received at a past tournament; and the moment the judges post a sign calling for him.
- Second Place Is for Winners: Arthur gets a silver medal but at least he earns his father's approval and poses for a picture with him and his sister.
- Sibling Rivalry: Averted. Arthur doesn't resent his sister; she doesn't mock him for his failures; and, if the latest tournament they enter is any indication, they don't even compete directly against each other since they enter in different categories.
