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Dead Bird

Dead Bird

2024 |USA |1:29

A dead bird decomposes. From this death, sprouts something unexpected.

Dead Bird
Director
Matthew Lei
MEET THE DIRECTOR

Matthew Lei

I am a CalArts Animation student. Outside of school, I love to make silly personal projects and post them on YouTube.

MATTHEWLEI.COM

SEE MORE FROM 2024

Flora, Fauna, Funga

Flora, Fauna, Funga

This short film follows Chilean mycologist and National Geographic Explorer Giuliana Furci’s search for new mushrooms in far southern Chile, on the main island of Tierra del Fuego. She’s joined by biologist and author Merlin Sheldrake and mycologist Toby Kiers from SPUN, the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, whose goal is to map the mycorrhizal networks of the world. Together, the three scientists illuminate how—through nutrient cycling and the essential relationships they form with plants—fungi underpin every ecosystem on Earth, and outline a strategy for greater fungal inclusion in conservation policy.

2024 |Chile |16:51 |English
How to Film a Mushroom Audience Choice Award

How to Film a Mushroom

"How to Film a Mushroom" is an experimental documentary that follows a filmmaker's journey as he attempts to create a film about mushrooms, despite his initial lack of knowledge. As he delves deeper into the world of fungi, he unintentionally explores the role of artificial intelligence in art, uncovering the implications this technology has on human self-perception. The film weaves together traditional documentary techniques with AI-generated imagery, creating a unique visual experience that reflects the organic complexity of mushrooms. The narrative draws parallels between the growth of fungi and the filmmaker's expanding understanding, illustrating the interconnectedness of nature and technology. The film also addresses themes of ego and self-discovery, as the filmmaker learns to appreciate the beauty of both the natural world and the digital realm. Through this exploration, the audience is invited to reflect on the evolving relationship between humanity and technology.

2024 |Netherlands / Belgium / Germany |20:14 |English
Mushlings

Mushlings

The film is a short documentary on Mushlings - a magical evolution of common mushrooms. Through the fairy-tale-like creatures, the film shows the beauty and variety of mushrooms and nature itself. It teaches respect for the forest and the world around us. Humans do not live here alone, this point is especially emphasized when little cute mystical mushroom creatures are at stake! Some of the pieces depicted are: King Bolets, Fly Agaric, Hoof fungus, Puffball, and many more.

2024 |Poland |3:53 |Polish
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