Vancouver Film Festival 2024: Blue Ant and Lakeside to premiere of "The Death of James"

International production studio and rights business, Blue Ant Studios and leading Canadian pre-and post-production services studio, Lakeside Animation Studios announced today that its animated short film, "The Death of James" (1x13), will premiere at the 43rd Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) this September. The film, inspired by true events and set in Vancouver's West End, offers an unflinching exploration of friendship, loss, and the complexities of mortality. The film was created and directed by acclaimed Toronto-based animator, Sam Chou.

The title is a coproduction between the animation teams at Blue Ant Studios (formerly Look Mom! Productions) and Lakeside Animation Studios. Sam Chou is the Creator and Director. For Blue Ant Studios, Mark J.W. Bishop,  Matthew Hornburg and Josh Bowen serve as Executive Producers; Stephanie Claydon and Stephen Sloan are Supervising Producers. For Lakeside Animation, Louri Stepanov and Artem Vasilyev are Executive Producers. Blue Ant Studios oversees all international distribution. 

"The Death of James" follows the poignant journey of two young friends, Kevin and Ellery, as they face the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize their beloved pet ferret. With a blend of humor and heartbreak, the film delves into themes of death, euthanasia, and the uncertainties of the afterlife, all seen through the eyes of characters navigating these challenges for the first time. This narrative is brought to life by the voices of Isaiah Lehtinen ("I Like Movies") as the inventive Ellery, Kyle Bailey ("Heartland") as Kevin, and Amanda Brugel ("The Handmaid’s Tale") as the empathetic veterinarian. Chou’s collaboration with award-winning writer Ellery Vandooyeweert marks yet another powerful exploration of delicate themes such as grief and the human condition. "The Death of James’" screening will take place on Saturday, September 28, 9:00 pm PT, International Village 8 and Sunday, September 29, 1:30 pm, International Village 8 (VIFF Short Forum 2 program).