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Christopher & the Bug - still #1
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Christopher & the Bug

NY Premiere

Directors: Vanessa Esteves and Kevin Micallef

Canada, 2025, 13 min

Festival Year:2025

Category:Animation

Genres:Drama, Animation

Cast:Benedict Campbell

Crew:Writer: Vanessa Esteves. Producers: Vanessa Esteves & Lydia Ferreira. Co-Producers: Kevin Micallef, Don Gauthier, Scott Williamson. Animator: Samantha VanRootslaar Art Director: Don Gauthier. Technical Director: Scott Williamson

Email:vanessa8esteves@gmail.com

Web:www.christopherandthebug.com/

Synopsis

Christopher and the Bug is a heartwarming short film about a reclusive owl whose peaceful solitude is disrupted when a tiny bug unknowingly moves into his home. Determined to get rid of the uninvited guest, the owl embarks on a series of comical yet misguided attempts to reclaim his space. However, as their paths intertwine, he discovers the transformative power of friendship, empathy, and inclusion. This charming tale, designed to resonate with audiences of all ages, reminds us to embrace differences and find connection in unexpected places.

Trailer

About the directors

Vanessa Esteves - Vanessa is an accomplished writer, director, executive producer, and content creator and has creatively overseen a wide range of projects across all genres. Her leadership and creative vision have helped shape numerous successful children’s programs in the world of animation and family entertainment.

Filmography

Kevin Micallef - With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Kevin Micallef has directed a variety of award-winning projects across different genres, from preschool to teen series. He has contributed to major animated films as an animator for studios like Disney, Sony, and Warner Bros.

Filmography

Filmmakers' note

Christopher & the Bug has been a long time coming—decades, in fact. The seed of this story was planted many years ago and has grown over time. It was a simple idea born from curiosity and playfulness, and over time it grown up alongside me. As I changed, so did the story. What began as a quirky little tale about a grumpy man and an unwelcome houseguest slowly matured into something much deeper: a reflection on the fears we build around change, and the surprising beauty that can come from letting others in. It’s been a journey of patience, perseverance, and, ultimately, joy. Christopher went from human to owl, live action to animation, and the story fell into place.

What we cherish most about Christopher & the Bug is that it speaks to everyone. Whether you’re five or eighty-five, there’s something universal in Christopher’s journey—from resistance to acceptance, from solitude to connection. In a world that often pushes us to retreat into ourselves, this film gently reminds us of the transformative power of friendship and the unexpected magic that can unfold when we open our hearts. We hope it makes people laugh, reflect, and maybe even see the tiny “bugs” in their own lives a little differently.

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