The Old Young Crow

NOMINEE – Best Narrative Short

Mehrdad, now an old man, recalls his encounter with an elderly Japanese woman named Chiyo at a graveyard in Tokyo near his elementary school. Through his childhood sketchbook, he reflects on the mystery of her disappearance.

Directed by Liam LoPinto

Director’s Bio: Liam LoPinto is a filmmaker and animator from New York City. He graduated from NYU Tisch’s UGFTV program in 2017. He also studied at Waseda University in Tokyo and attended CalArts’ Character Animation program from 2017-2021. His film French Fly was selected for CAA Moebius’ 5th Showcase. His documentary “Karam Camera” was made in partnership with Karam Foundation focusing on empowering young Syrian refugees. He’s a first generation Iranian-American and his work focuses on diaspora, refugees, immigrants, and dissidents.

Plays in

Folktales Old & New

Whispers and hurried exchanges have long been the subject of mythic tales. They remind readers and listeners that we are small humans facing great unknowns. Visual design, sound, editing, and cinematography can elevate the effect of these tales when rendered in film. On the other hand, film can take away the intimacy of storytelling and mute the sense of mystery that originally made the stories so compelling. The shorts in this showcase navigate these murky waters, unearthing the unconscious from the depths of our collective imagination.