Starling is a 2023 animated short film about grief and loss directed by Mitra Shahidi. The short premiered at the Tribeca Festival, where it won an award for Best Animated Short. Starling has since been selected for screening in various international film festivals including the HollyShorts Film Festival, the Pixelatl Festival and the Richmond International Film Festival.
Plot The spirit star of a little girl travels through the sky to celebrate her birthday with her family, 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.
Production 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, which allows employees to use company equipment for personal projects. Primarily animated using traditional 2D techniques, Starling also used Blender to create and animate specific 3D elements.
Release Starling had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival on June 10, 2023.
Reception Since its release, the film has been selected in various festivals around the world: YearFestivalsAward/CategoryStatus2023Tribeca Festival Best Animated Short Holly Shorts Film FestivalBest AnimationMill Valley Film FestivalBest Short FilmHamptons International Film FestivalBest Short FilmAustin Film FestivalBest Animated ShortBest Animated Short (Audience Award) AFI FestBest Short Film
References
External links Official Trailer on Vimeo.