CAFF, the Cultural Animation Film Festival is designed to showcase unique animated films based on the cultures of who we are. Our hopes is that these films will shed a better light on who we are as a people. We also hope that CAFF will inspire animators both new and seasoned from around the world to create films and share their stories.

Schedule:

November 15, 2024

CAFF 2024 Opening-Night Animation Celebration - 7:00PM - 9:00PM

The Mayfly

The Mayfly is a lyrical tale of young Megalyn Mayfly who was born in New York City’s Central Park.   The story was inspired by an actual event witnessed by the film’s Creator, legendary Actress/Singer Betty Lynn Buckley.  Megalyn goes against all Mayfly cultural norms  to dedicate her short life to Music and Dance. Her quest takes her from Central Park West to the Upper East Side’s Café Carlyle where she performs her final opus, creating beautiful patterns in the light as she dances over the head of singer Judy Collins.  Animated traditionally in 2D, The Mayfly is a love letter to Music and New York City.

Animation Director: Sue Perrotto

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 7:05 Minutes

Fashion Victims 2.0

An inconvenient truth: the Western fashion industry stands on forced child labor in the Third World. Will you still consent to it?

FASHION VICTIMS 2.0 is the animated recreation of the mural painted by ESCIF in January 2022 in front of a well-known fashion store in Valencia. The painting exposes our passivity towards child labor and its harsh conditions in developing countries. The animation short film brings to life the people painted on the wall to show their alienation and the nonsense of our unsustainable consumption habits. FASHION VICTIMS 2.0 is also a tribute to Valencia street art and to ESCIF: an artist concerned about a most uncomfortable reality.

Director: María Lorenzo

Country of Origin: Spain

Length: 2:00 Minutes

Mercedes'kitchen

Mercedes is a traditional Mexican cook, she learned cooking by watching her mother and grandmother. When she arrived to France, she wantedt to claim Mexican gastronomy and show this ancestral cuisine.

Directed by: Inés Argueta, Melissa Troublé

Country of Origin: France

Length: 8:34 Minutes

bé h?ng (little persimmon)

A young girl memorializes her late grandfather by attempting to obtain his favorite fruit. Curiously, she receives the aid of a couple of unexpected visitors.

Directed by: Thy Vo, Ivan Gozali, Yusra Shahid, Florence Young, Noël Wiggins, Tracy Liu

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 2:27 Minutes

Irish Goodbye

This project is set to an original song by Irish artist Sammy Copley. The song's message is something many Irish people have felt: the desire to leave their home juxtaposed with a want to stay if things could be different. The song spoke to me, personally, as a young person in Ireland facing challenges, particularly with the housing crisis, and longing to emigrate yet missing parts of Ireland that are comforting.

Directed by: AmberAmelia Kelly

Country of Origin: Ireland

Length: 1:49 Minutes

James

"James" is a heartfelt autobiographical short film narrated by Anne Di Martino, who takes the audience on an emotional journey into her family's life. Anne recounts a moment from her 

childhood when her mother shared the story of discovering that Anne's younger brother, James, had Down's Syndrome. The film captures Anne's personal experience of growing up with a

special needs sibling. She reflects on the challenges and joys that come with this journey, all while emphasizing the resilience and happiness that James brings to their lives.

Directed by: Anne Marie Di Martino 

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 4:38 Minutes

Student Film

Oh! Man

Fly, walk, run, jump,

Climb, fall, run away, try...

What else can you imagine

Directed by: student collective (10_12) 6C

Country of Origin: Portugal

Length: 2:00 Minutes

Student Film

Black power is green power

Haïku: “Raised fist, an isolated willow tree makes spring explode”

Directed by: Etienne HUSSON

Country of Origin: France

Length: 1:00 Minutes

Moonlit Night of Spring River

This short animated film is a time-traveling and character-swapping animation of a girl sleepwalking through a Chinese garden. Accompanied by the classic melody of the traditional Chinese folk music "Moonlit Night of Spring River", the movie provides an interesting perspective on the unique beauty of Chinese gardens and architecture of the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912).

Directed by: Joe Chang

Country of Origin: Canada

Length: 7:32 Minutes

Phool Dei

What began as a classroom assignment on the forgotten festival of flowers in Uttarakhand soon evolved into a passion project deeply rooted in the region’s rich heritage. The story Phool Dei gained depth and nuance from firsthand observations of the changing landscapes of Uttarakhand’s villages and cities.

Located in the fictional realm of Dev Bhoomi and nestled among majestic mountains, the narrative of the story is about the festival of flowers that celebrates the culture and togetherness of Uttarakhand, seen from the perspective of a small girl Medha as she goes on a Magical and an Adventurous journey to collect flowers for her village before it turns into a ghost village. The film focuses on the impact of migration in Uttarakhand, India in the last 5 years and shows the helplessness of the change through the journey of the main character.

Directed by: Kartik Mahajan

Country of Origin: India

Length: 7:22 Minutes

Student Film

The Tale of Mari

Mari, an elderly Japanese woman, recounts her experiences growing up in Okinawa, moving to America, and attempting to become a newspaper cartoonist.

Directed by: Anya Vaughn

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 6:39 Minutes

Student film

Clara

As Marielle and Ben talk and joke around over a bowl of cereal, Marielle grows anxious about their upcoming visit to see her family. While lost in her own thoughts busy contemplating how the visit will go, Marielle is unaware that she’s been teleported into a world created by her fears until Ben’s voice snaps her out of her daze and she finds herself no longer in their dining room. She is then dropped, dragged, drowned, engulfed, and teleported around strange yet familiar environments. The one thing these environments have in common is a mysterious, glowing, purple cat with a familiar voice, who seems to be leading her somewhere. Desperate for an escape and a sense of familiarity, she chases after the cat. Once united with the mysterious cat, she is able to return to her own reality, where she finds peace and comfort in Ben’s presence.

Directed by: Turma 4ºB EB1Pe Ladeira/CENA 

Country of Origin: Portugal

Length: 3:26 Minutes

Student Film

Have I Swallowed Your Dreams

A poetic conversation between an immigrant daughter and her mother about sacrifices and dreams.

Directed by: Clara Chan

Country of Origin: Canada

Length: 6:04 Minutes

Tell me a story

The film was produced by a workshop with girls about their personal lives or their friends’ stories and an attempt to heal from them

Directed by: Marwa ali

Country of Origin: Egypt

Length: 4:04 Minutes

Student film

CHAIN

"Chain," directed by Ling Han, is a 3D animated short film featuring charming characters and a sophisticated environment. It uniquely tells the story of the mantis catching the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

"Chain" is visually stunning and emotionally rich, expressing nature's survival instincts and prompting viewers to ponder life's deeper questions. We sincerely recommend this film to fans of animation and proverbs

Directed by: Ling Han

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 4:49Minutes

Student film

On the last day of Navarathri

On the final day of Navarathri, a divine doll must face the fearsome fate that awaits her.

Directed by: Aarya Kalyansunder

Country of Origin: India

Length: 6:25 Minutes

Student film

The Red Scarf-A Story of Armenian Hope

“The Red Scarf- A Story of Armenian Hope” Fate and a hand-woven scarf bring together the lives of Krikor, an Armenian orphan refugee, and Jackie Coogan, Hollywood's biggest child star, in a triumphant story of hope, courage and humanity amidst the tragedy of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. This heartwarming animated story is brought to life by Twiddle Productions Inc. in association with The USC Shoah Foundation.

Directed by: Michael Q.Ceballos

Country of Origin: United Dtates

Length: 16:50 Minutes

November 16, 2024

CAFF 2024 Saturday Matinee Featuring Wetsitales! - 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Wetsitales : The Creation Story

came from a bamboo offspring of 2 breezes. The man and the woman became the origin of all races. A Tagalog Folk Tale.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 3:38 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : The Flood Story

The world was refreshed after the flood, this is the version this side of the world. A Bukidnon Folk Tale from the Philippines.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 2:32 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : Aponibolinayen and the Sun

Aponibolinayen is a lovely maiden who went into an unplanned trip to the heavens and met the man of her life, Ini-init. An enchanted adventure mixed with culture and traditions of the Tinguian Tribe. Based on a Philippine Folk Tale.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 11:33 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : How the Moon and the Stars Came To Be

A lady lost her finest jewelry only to find it up the night sky. A Bukidnon Folk Tale from the Philippines.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 2:11 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : Mengal Kapitan Tercero?

Being a Mengal is a great responsibility that is given only to powerful men in the community. Leaders in the community's daily life, it's economy, peace and safety. The people of Camarag were blessed with such a leader, Kapitan Tercero, all is well in their town until greedy invaders wanted to enjoy the riches and take control of the land. Kapitan made the wisest and bravest decision to save Camarag which is now the present Echague, Isabela.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 6:20 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : Laguna Copperplate

Ravaged by colonization, wars and illegal trade that removed and erased many documents and proof of ancient cultures within the archipelago, a tangible document shared a glimpse of how our ancestors lived. A story once buried in the waters of Lumban, Laguna.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 4:45 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : The Legend of The Pineapple

Pina was never used to responsibilities and doing tasks, she is a carefree girl with no life skills. One day her mother got sick and she had to take on her mother's tasks. It was a horrible experience, her mother could not rest and recover as Pina became an additional burden instead of help. Mother in frustration left a curse that changed Pina's life.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 6:16 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : The Origin of the Echo

Making all the excuses to skip doing house chores and help at home. A boy found his ultimate excuse and continued to evade helping his mother until he was found out. The repercussions were eerie. A cautionary folktale from Bicol in the Philippines.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 9:49 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : The Sun and The Moon (Visayas)

The newly married couple started their relationship right, however, a promise was broken and the marriage fell apart. A version of the Sun and the Moon folk tale from the Visayas of the Philippines.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 3:04 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : The Tattooed Men

Two friends who were not contented about themselves wished for something that changed their lives.. for the worse. A folk tale from the Igorots of the Cordillera Region in the Philippines.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 3:03 Minutes

Young Animator

Wetsitales : The Legend of Gagamba

A talented artisan, Gamba, takes her craft seriously to the point that everything else is set aside. Family, homelife, nutrition and rest are taken for granted and the people around her complains. When Gamba broke the heart of her loving mother,the consequence changed her life. A story from Bikol in the Philippines.

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 5:35 Minutes

Young Animator

CAFF 2024 Saturday Night Animation Show - 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Hide & Seek

"Hide & Seek" is an animated short film that narrates the story of a child and his fish on their journey into the unknown, following the raid on the child's town during the ongoing war ravaging his country. The short film captures the steps of this journey and its transformations, concluding as the child reaches one of the coasts.

Director: Rami Abbas

Country of Origin: State of Palestine

Length: 7:14 Minutes

i killed a worm

Haunted by a childhood memory, a girl scales a mountain of her regrets to learn how to exist and live with her inner guilt.

Director: Despi Markaki

Country of Origin: United Kindom

Length: 4:23 Minutes

Student Film

The Bell

Life is good in Padre Pi's town because of his magical bell. But what about the other towns? Society will crumble in this 11-minute short!

Directed by: Mark Mendoza

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 11:01 Minutes

Wetsitales : The Frog Who Wished to be as Big as an Ox

There was an initial accident in the pond, a mother frog wanted to avenge her loss, perhaps grief, perhaps overwhelming emotions led her to get into another fatal accident. A sad day for frogs. A folk tale from Cebu

Directed by: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 3:05 Minutes

Student Film

It Will Pass Away

After the end of a relationship that went nowhere, a woman's complex emotions seem to be amplified, and in the midst of insomnia she feels she can touch the many subtle voices...

Directed by: Nan Yao

Country of Origin: China

Length: 5:08 Minutes

25

On 25 april 1974 a revolution led by a military movement ended the dictatorial regime in Portugal and initiated implementation of democracy. Since then the word freedom has become part of people's voices and actions.

Directed by: 6D Student class

Country of Origin: Portugal

Length: 3:05 Minutes

Rise Up & Fight

Three Freedom Summer Civil Rights volunteers—Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner—return to Mississippi 60 years after their untimely deaths expecting a world of change. They are shocked to discover that human rights issues are still plaguing our nation and, accordingly, issue an urgent call to action! 

Directed by: Nolan Williams, Jr.

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 5:00 Minutes

Student Film

My Turn!

One sunny morning in Jakarta, Indonesia, Beth and her younger sister Liz become fierce rivals in their race to the bathroom. Beth regrets unintentionally hurting her little sister during the scuffle, and they both realize how much they care about each other.

This short film embraces the charm of 2D animation, paying homage to the classic styles of Saturday morning cartoons. At its core, My Turn! is about the childhood experiences of director Isabelle Tumboimbela growing up with her younger sister. This film hopes to provide Southeast Asian representation to the animation medium.

Produced in San Jose, California, USA at San Jose State University in association with the Shrunkenheadman Club

Directed by: Isabelle Maria Tumboimbela, Daisha Lin Sherman

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 4:53 Minutes

Student film

In Ten Minuets

The little granddaughter lives with her grandmother. Grandma waits for her granddaughter at home after school every day.

That day, grandma still cooked the meal, but she couldn't wait for her granddaughter to come back. Grandma's worries about her granddaughter turned into exaggerated imagination, filling every moment of waiting......

Directed by: Fu Xiaoyue

Country of Origin: China

Length: 5:16 Minutes

The Big Change

In a not too distant time, freedom of choice and expression were not acquired rights of a people. A big change needed to happen.

Directed by: Andreína Agrela;Eduardo Namora ; Matias Oliveira; Jayden Pereira; João Sousa; Liane Aranjuren; Margarida Sousa; Soraia Santos; Matilde Correia; Nancy Paixão; Santiago Gonçalves; Simon Freitas; Tomás Teles; Vitória Ferreira

Country of Origin: Portugal

Length: 3:00 Minutes

Student Film

Buffalo

Water buffalo is a gentle and strong creature. One day, as I reflected on why I was attracted to this animal, I recalled the first time I saw a water buffalo at my grandmother's house as a child. I didn’t perceive it as gentle back then, but in that scene, my parents showed a side of themselves I had never seen before—they were happy and relaxed.

Directed by: Yiheng Li

Country of Origin: China

Length: 3:12 Minutes

Student Film

A Dog's Purpose

"A Dog's Purpose" is a heartwarming animated story about a playful puppy named Loso who enters the lives of a family struggling to find joy and purpose. As Loso grows, he becomes not just a pet but a beloved family member, bringing laughter, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose to each family member.

However, as Loso ages, he begins to face health challenges. The family rallies around him, providing love and care as he bravely battles his illness. Despite their efforts, Loso eventually passes away, leaving a void in their hearts.

Through their grief, the family reflects on Loso's impact on their lives. They realize that although he may be gone, his legacy of love, joy, and purpose lives on in their memories.

"A Dog's Purpose" is a poignant tale that celebrates the bond between humans and animals, showcasing how even the smallest creatures can bring immense meaning to our lives.

Directed by: Suhra Nahib

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 3:09 Minutes

shush

This is an animated short with no dialogue, based on Taoist culture, mainly about a Taoist god Mazu who takes on human form but is afraid of being noticed by people. Then a young Taoist boy accidentally wanders into her temple, and an interesting interaction happens between them.

Directed by: Yihe Zhao

Country of Origin: China

Length: 1:58 Minutes

Lawrence of Moravia

The Catholic clergyman Alois Musil is one of the most important discoverers of the archaeological treasures of the Muslim world. He was caught in the Middle East by WW1. The Austrian government at that time wanted to turn him into a spy, which is why he is known today as the „Moravian Lawrence of Arabia“. The printed sheets of Musil‘s travelogues inspired the director and artist Jan Cechl to create traditional, semi-plastic puppets that experience dangerous adventures in the fairy-tale Orient, full of fiery genie and Bedouin wisdom. As a Sheikh Músa ar Ruelli, the Moravian priest becomes a wild nomad of the desert, and during a dangerous expedition he discovers the lost Amra Castle, which makes him famous throughout the world. At the same time it is also a playful reference to one of the most valuable jewels of world cinema - the film Lawrence of Arabia by David Lean.

Directed by: Jan apar

Country of Origin: Czech Republic

Length: 14:00 Minutes

Common Fly

Nobody cares about Jeff, a middle aged housefly crushed by unfulfilled expectations. A dissatisfying marriage, insufferable children, and mind-numbing job push him to try to regain control of his life.

Directed by: Ian Alexander Castracane

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 14:11 Minutes

Student Animator

November 17, 2024

CAFF for Kids 2024 - 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Sina ma Tinirau

When a prince is cursed to become an eel and has to win the love of a beautiful woman to become human again, he gifts her with his body in the form of a coconut palm tree in a seductive display.

Set on Rotuma in Fiji, this classic tale of unconditional love is given new meaning and relevance today as it explores issues of conservation, tradition versus freedom, and prejudice against black skin among Polynesians.

Animation Director: Vilsoni Tausie Herenik

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 8:20 Minutes

Wetsitales : How the Moon and the Stars Came To Be

A lady lost her finest jewelry only to find it up the night sky. A Bukidnon Folk Tale from the Philippines.

Animation Director: Jade Dandan Evangelista

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 2:11 Minutes

Student Film

Get Gulled

On a sunny beach day, a little girl eagerly awaits her sandwich at a food truck. As she enjoys the sandwich's aroma, a watchful seagull swoops down and snatches it from her hands, causing her to tumble into the sand. Determined to reclaim her meal, the girl chases the seagull, even throwing a shovel in a desperate attempt to stop it. The chase ends when the seagull crashes into a signpost, dropping the sandwich, only for a seal to eat it. Both the girl and the seagull are left watching the sunset in defeat, with the girl venting her frustration by slapping the seagull on the head.

Directed by: Matt McElrath

Country of Origin: Unite States

Length: 2:31 Minutes

Student Animators

Hurdles

When an un-athletic dreamer's hopes of being on the track team are dashed, her negative thoughts about herself weigh her down until she is submerged in the waters of her subconscious where she can let go of them, and be her best self. A story with heart about being human.

Directed by: Pamela Oliver Munoz

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 3:35 Minutes

There can Only be One...

Upon entrance of her boyfriend’s apartment for the first time, Kat is encountered with her biggest, most unexpected rival; his cat. There can only be one to win his love and affection….So, who will it be?

Directed by: Britney Fan

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 2:54 Minutes

Student Animator

JELANGKUNG : SEEKING ANSWER

Three brave children decide to summon spirits using the Jelangkung ritual. What they imagine is far from what actually happens. Unexpected and terrifying events unfold, and they must face the consequences and take responsibility for the outcomes. So, what drove them to dare to summon it?

Directed by: Zuhair Bari' Fawwaz

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Length: 5:24 Minutes

Student Animator

King Tut

King Tut is the product of a workshop with children organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities with the aim of raising archaeological awareness among children. The film was shown in many museums in Egypt

Directed by: King Tut

Country of Origin: Egypt

Length: 4:45 Minutes

Young Animators

The Alchemist's Apprentice

A young alchemy apprentice tries to fix his master's creation discreetly.

Directed by: Erfan Parsapour

Country of Origin: Iran

Length: 6:47 Minute

Bug

Animator is working and the drawing escapes the screen causing a wild goose chase

Directed by: Hannah Vivian Smith

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 1:12 Minutes

Student Film

Normal Day

An Ordinary Day is a film produced by a workshop with children about their school day, how it begins and ends, and how they can learn about all types of science.

Directed by: Marwa Ali

Country of Origin: Egypt

Length: 4:13 Minutes

Pedro, A Pedra

Pedro, piles the stones in his desert wasteland, until a wave of wind collapses everything he had done... The wind scatters, knocks over, messes up and shakes Pedro's life. But on his journey against the wind, Pedro is able to observe his life through new perspectives

Directed by: Beatriz Fernandes Artner

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 4:02 Minutes

With My Dad

The story of a little girl who is learning from her father how to live in daily sweet adventures. They have a lot of fun together and she gets familiar with the world.

Directed by: Zeinab Badri

Country of Origin: Islamic Republic of Iran

Length: 6:00 Minutes

Motor Cycles

Soso is a 7 years old motor cycle who has to move to a little city named Kalachtappe with his family. They have to live in the village of grand pa. At first, he doesn’t like living there but little by little he loves the village and experiences new adventures with his new friends.

Directed by: Hasan Asadi Khanouki

Country of Origin: Islamic Republic of Iran

Length: 7:00 Minutes

Turkey Pinky Pants

The Turkey Pinky Pants animation series is about a cadre of anthropomorphic turkeys who live on an island after having defeated their arch enemy, Gordon the Turkey Farmer. The story follows the training and personal lives of a cadre of 6 recruits, and their personal growth and that of their leader, Turkey Pinky Pants, who leads them through a series of silly but dangerous adventures to protect the homeland, Turkeyville

Directed by: Brad Krause

Country of Origin: United States

Length: 8:00 Minutes

The Colours of the Ocean

After all, what colour is the ocean? A short trip through some of the colours that the ocean can have as a reflection of events in nature or actions caused by the hand of man.

Directed by: Associação de Ludotecas do Porto/Anilupa´s workshop participants: Year 1/2 students of EB de São João de Deus School

Country of Origin: Portugal

Length: 5:21 Minutes

Student Film

DUBU

A short stop motion film that follows a day in the life of a South Korean young woman named Sujin and her dog Dubu, a 12 year old maltese Shih tzu cross that loves to walk, sleep, bark and receive belly rubs!

Directed by: Callum Scott-Dyson

Country of Origin: Republic of Korea

Length: 5:00 Minutes

The Tales of Grandmother Basyang: The Mysterious Guardian of Mount Arayat

After meeting an elderly fairy, a young boy goes through a fantastic journey through time and space .

Directed by: Nelson Jr Caliguia

Country of Origin: Philippines

Length: 13:00 Minutes

Buy Tickets

Date: November 15 - 17, 2024

Location: Honolulu Museum of Art, Doris Duke Theatre

900 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96814.

Click here for more Information