Liam LoPinto‘s extraordinary short film unfolds as a mesmerizing blend of live-action and animation, delving into the profound spiritual connection between a young immigrant, Mehrdad, and a grieving mother. Narrated by the compelling Hassan Shahbazi, who portrays the older Mehrdad, and Naoto Shibata, embodying the younger version, the narrative beautifully captures the Iranian boy’s solace in sketching pivotal moments of his life to combat loneliness.
The heart of the story unfolds when Mehrdad finds unexpected companionship with a grief-stricken mother, portrayed by the poignant Keiko Yamashita, at a graveyard during one of his sketching sessions. The resulting tale is a poignant exploration that, on paper, could be haunting, yet it emerges as an endearing and beautifully executed narrative. The symbolic presence of the old and young crow weaves a thread through the storyline, adding depth to the emotional journey.
The entire production is a testament to skillful execution, featuring solid performances, multilingual dialogue (Japanese and Farsi with English subtitles), and exquisite hand-drawn animations that provide an intimate look into the young boy’s transformative journey. Liam LoPinto crafts a fantastic tale with fantastical elements, guaranteeing to captivate, intrigue, and warm the hearts of audiences with its emotional depth and visually stunning storytelling.
