Presenting the 2025 DIFA Animations & Animators
Presenting, the animations and animators of the 10th annual Detroit International Festival of Animation (not yet in screening order):
“Ana Morphose” – Joao Rodrigues (2023 Portugal 10:00)
Ana has to escape being swallowed by the overwhelming accumulation of printed knowledge and find her own space in a world where nothing is what it seems.
“Bird Streets – Go Free” – Joanna Choy (2024 New York 3:48)
NPR Slingshot artist Bird Streets (aka John Brodeur) presents the animated music video in what could be best described as a classic ice-cream caper for their jangly indie-rock single, “Go Free”.
“Brain Break” – Gretchen Kowalczyk (2024 Colorado 5:00)
Sometimes we just can’t make it work, and that’s okay. Stepping away and living life is just as important as your craft, even if the only thing that comes out of it is a good day.
“Broken” – Patrick Smith (2024 New York 4:15)
The broken will slowly decay, wasting away into shattered bits. But the shards have a healing property, a process exploited by an ambitious dark soul who desires to be whole.
“Early Bird” – Scott Wenner (2024 Minnesota 3:27)
A seaside search, a standoff, and a decision to make about all things lost and found.
“Extracted” – Adam Glickfield (2024 California 3:47)
A dog’s toothache brings them on an unexpected journey, experiencing the uncertainty and disorientation that comes with being snatched from your bed and taken to places unknown.
“Flippy Dippy” – Aaron Voogt (2024 Michigan 4:56)
The wealthy CEO of a canned food empire was found dead under mysterious circumstances! What’s to become of his horde of ancient antiquities? And most crucially, how can you liven up a boring day on the job?
“Gone Dippin'” – Noah J Cecil (2024 Michigan 1:09)
“Grizzly Business” – Kyle Nelson (2023 Oregon 3:46)
A grizzly bear escapes from the city zoo as a man works late on his wedding anniversary.
“Jabberwocky” – Jack Chisik (2023 Michigan 1:41)
Human-haired abominations are infinitely churned out from their own stomachs by an internal engine built of broken computer parts.
“Klunk in the Night” – Tom Eaton (2024 Michigan 0:37)
A ghost runs into a problem while out haunting with friends.
“Les Bêtes” – Michael Granberry (2024 Oregon 11:38)
A mysterious rabbit with a set of magic keys summons a host of strange creatures to entertain a wicked king and his decadent court in this dark stop-motion animated fantasy inspired by the works of Ladislas Starevich.
“Lines” – Martin Schmidt (2024 Germany 4:09)
An aggressive battle unfolds between red and dark blue. The borderlines between the colors vibrate with tension as they fight for their lives.
“Love Hurts” – Avalon Barr (2024 Michigan 2:18)
Maxine has a date tomorrow, but wakes up late and chaos ensues.
“Love on the Lawn” – Julia Trendel (2023 Ohio 2:17)
A lawn flamingo must conjure a creative solution to unite with his lover on the other side of the fence.
“ORUGA!” – Andrés Patricio Arias, Diego Iñaki Lizama (2024 Chile 1:59)
The story of a common caterpillar which, after being attacked by a bird, looses their body and tries to retrieve their old one while having to get used to the new.
“Pure Magic” – Natasha Beste (2025 Michigan 3:00)
A crew of neurodivergent artists collaborates to document the unique creative process of Tamara Finlay, a stop-motion artist whose work blends family history, folklore, and personal healing.
“TEASER TRAILER” – JJ Gibson (2024 Florida 3:04)
A fast-paced, off-the-wall, cosmic horror-comedy that satirizes modern action movie marketing, taking the familiar stereotypes and turns them on their head.
“The Corduroy McFinkle 25th Anniversary Spectacular!” – David Castellano Miller (2024 Michigan 2:07)
Corduroy McFinkle is the smartest boy in America! And his variety hour show is celebrating 25 years in the air… Wait, that doesn’t seem right, Corduroy is just 8, right?
“The Greenfield Forehead Zombie” – MCR ELECTRIC OTTO (2024 Michigan 0:59)
A Dash through the Door, a Hub for a Grub. A Detroit Zombie Meal. The Struggle is Real!
“The One” – Molly Parsons, Ellery Stocker (2024 Massachusetts 3:21)
A “Bachelor” parody, featuring heartthrob Carter as he competes against MDW for the hand of Kenzie, the bachelorette. However, MDW isn’t just another guy. Will Carter find the true love he’s been looking for?
“The Wedding Veil of the Proud Princess” – Anna-Ester Volozh (2024 United Kingdom 6:33)
A princess’s impossible demand sparks an endless war, until a mysterious suitor emerges, claiming to be the one to satisfy her pride. Based on a story by L.M.Montgomery.
“Time Flies” – LJ Burnett (2024 Georgia 4:25)
In this fast-paced comedy adventure, two flies with opposite personalities struggle to make the most of a 24-hour lifespan.
“VHX” – Alisa Stern, Scott Ampleford (2024 New York 4:54)
A collection of home movies languish on a shelf, longing to be watched again. Little do they know, there’s a fate far worse than being forgotten.
“What Lies in the Weeds” – Judy Zhao (2024 Virginia 3:05)
Another Pierrot appears in the weeds, uncomfortable in his own skin and consumed by envy, lust, and anger toward the harmonious Columbine and the Harlequin. Overwhelmed by his emotions, he fails to keep his composure.
“With Tits” – Delia Morchesky (2024 Pennsylvania 3:00)
A kick-ass high school basketball team takes a stand against their sexist principal to get the name they deserve.
Please note, parental guidance is suggested due to some mature language and themes.
🎞️ DIFA 10
🗓️ Saturday, April 5th, 2025
🕖 Doors 7pm, Showtime 8pm
🎟️ Tickets $10, advance or at the door
📍 Senate Theater, 6424 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI
