International production company Blue Ant Studios, in collaboration with Canadian pre- and post-production service provider Lakeside Animation Studios, has announced the premiere of their animated short film The Death of James at the 43rd Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) this September. The 13-minute, 2D animated film was created and directed by Toronto-based animator Sam Chou.
Based on true events and set against the backdrop of Vancouver’s West End, The Death of James explores the emotional journey of two young friends, Kevin and Ellery, as they grapple with the difficult decision to euthanize their cherished pet ferret. With a poignant mix of humor and sorrow, the film tackles profound themes such as death, euthanasia, and the mysteries of the afterlife, all seen through the eyes of characters facing these challenges for the first time.
The short film features voice performances by Isaiah Lehtinen (I Like Movies) as Ellery, Kyle Bailey (Heartland) as Kevin, and Amanda Brugel (The Handmaid’s Tale) as the compassionate veterinarian. The project is a collaboration between Chou and award-winning writer Ellery Vandooyeweert.
“The Death of James is a deeply personal story that captures a pivotal moment between two inseparable friends. This film has been over a decade in the making, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see it finally come to life in the very city that played such a significant role in its creation,” said Chou.
The film is a co-production between Blue Ant Studios (formerly known as Look Mom! Productions) and Lakeside Animation Studios. Sam Chou served as the creator and director. Executive producers for Blue Ant Studios include Mark J.W. Bishop, Matthew Hornburg, and Josh Bowen, with Stephanie Claydon and Stephen Sloan as supervising producers. For Lakeside Animation Studios, Louri Stepanov and Artem Vasilyev served as executive producers. Blue Ant Studios will also handle all international distribution for the film.
