Starling (film)
| Starling | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Mitra Shahidi |
| Written by | Mitra Shahidi |
| Produced by | Jessica Heidt |
Production company | Mona Productions |
Release date | 2023 |
Running time | 9 minutes |
| Country | United States |
Starling is a 2023 animated short film directed by Mitra Shahidi.[1] The film about grief and loss[2] premiered at Tribeca,[3] where it won an award for Best Animated Short.[4] Starling has been selected in various international film festival including the HollyShorts Film Festival, the Pixelatl Festival and the Richmond International Film Festival.[5]
Plot[edit]
The spirit star of a little girl travels through the sky to celebrate her birthday with her family,[6] who is mourning her, but is blown off course and must travel through Istanbul to reach her home. Whilst exploring the sounds & smells of city, she realises that she is losing her life force, and must act quickly. Finally at her house, with very little force left, she is faced with an impossible decision.[7]
Production[edit]
Starling was made over the course of 4 years with a crew that spanned 14 countries, including Turkey, Spain, the United Kingdom, India, Brazil and France. It was produced through Pixar Animation's co-op program,[8] which allows employees to use company equipment for personal projects.[1][9] Primarily animated using traditional 2D techniques, Starling also used Blender to create and animate specific 3D elements.
Reception[edit]
Since its release, the film has been selected in various festivals around the world:
| Year | Festivals | Award/Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Tribeca Festival | Best Animated Short[4] | Won |
| Holly Shorts Film Festival | Best Animation[10] | Nominated | |
| Mill Valley Film Festival | Best Short Film[11] | Nominated | |
| Hamptons International Film Festival | Best Short Film[12] | Nominated | |
| Austin Film Festival | Best Animated Short[13] | Nominated | |
| Best Animated Short (Audience Award)[14] | Won | ||
| AFI Fest | Best Short Film[15] | Nominated |
References[edit]
- ^ a b Ramin Zahed. "Exclusive: Director Mitra Shahidi Discusses Her Charming Tribeca Prize-Winning Short 'Starling'". www.animationmagazine.net. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
- ^ Enicola, Paul Emmanuel (2023-06-14). "Tribeca 2023 Review - 'Starling' (2023)". The Movie Buff. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
- ^ "Starling | 2023 Tribeca Festival". Tribeca. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
- ^ a b Zhan, Jennifer (2023-06-19). "Here Are All the Winners of the 2023 Tribeca Festival". Vulture. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
- ^ "Film". Richmond International Film Festival. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
- ^ Skwigly (2023-07-27). "19th HollyShorts Film Festival unveils its animation line-up". Skwigly Animation Magazine. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
- ^ French, Alan (2023-06-11). "SHORT - 'Starling' - An Emotional Powerhouse of Love and Grief". Sunshine State Cineplex. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
- ^ Dower, Glen (2023-06-17). "Tribeca 2023: A Review Of This Years' Animated Shorts". Cinema Scholars. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
- ^ Lang, Jamie (2023-09-29). "2024 Oscars Short Film Contenders: 'Starling' Director Mitra Shahidi". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
- ^ "You are being redirected..." www.animationmagazine.net. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
- ^ "Starling – Mill Valley Film Festival". www.mvff.com. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
- ^ "Starling". Retrieved 2023-09-18.
- ^ Banks, Khoi (2023-10-04). "AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2023 COMPETITION FILMS". Austin Film Festival. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
- ^ Broughton, Travis (2023-11-07). "AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2023 JURY AND AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS". Austin Film Festival. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ "AFI FEST 2023 | Film Results". AFI FEST. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
External links[edit]
- Official Trailer on Vimeo.
- Starling at IMDb
