Flying Bark Productions is proud to announce that our enchanting short film “My Jumper It Roars” has been selected for two prestigious film festivals: the 19th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival in Hollywood, CA, and the Animaze Montreal International Animation Film Festival in Montreal, Canada.

Written and directed by our very own Isabella (Issy) Spagnolo, the heartwarming short film follows the journey of Ellie and her beloved jumper. The story delves into the power of self-expression and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter. A first-time writer-director, Issy’s short was selected as the winner of Flying Bark’s internal short film talent escalation program during the COVID-19 lockdown. Issy was supported by a host of animation peers as well as Flying Bark’s post-production partner Siamese in WA in bringing her idea to life. 

“We are thrilled and honoured to have ‘My Jumper It Roars’ showcased at the HollyShorts Film Festival and Animaze Montreal International Animation Film Festival,” said Barbara Stephen, CEO of Flying Bark Productions and one of the film’s producers. “This film truly captures the essence of our dedication to supporting and nurturing emerging talent. It is a testament to our internal culture of fostering creativity and empowering our team to explore their unique voices.”

The film’s captivating visual style pays homage to early European illustration and animation, combining whimsical linework, bold colours, and dramatic lighting choices. The enchanting sets, inspired by surrealist cinema and French animation techniques, add depth and poetry to the heartwarming tale.

The selection of “My Jumper It Roars” at these esteemed film festivals not only reinforces Flying Bark’s position as a global leader in animation but also showcases the studio’s commitment to creating engaging and meaningful content for all audiences.

“This is a triumph for the entire Flying Bark team,” said Alexia Gates-Foale, Director of Production at Flying Bark and another of the film’s producers. “We are dedicated to nurturing our creatives and encouraging them to develop their own unique voices and original IP. ‘My Jumper It Roars’ is just one example of how our studio fosters a culture of growth and collaboration and we hope to produce many more such projects like it in the future.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of “My Jumper It Roars” at the HollyShorts Film Festival from 10-20 August in Hollywood, CA, and at the Animaze Montreal International Animation Film Festival from 17-19 September in Montreal, QC, Canada. Join us as we celebrate the power of short form storytelling on the big screen.