The Girl Who Speaks with the Wild-ish Horses – VR Short Film

MONSTRA, the Lisbon Animation Festival, stands as a vibrant celebration of artistic convergence, fostering interactions across diverse art forms and unveiling new visions through the universal language of Animation Cinema. Renowned for its influence in shaping the cultural landscape of Lisbon and making its mark worldwide, MONSTRA is an incubator for creativity and innovation.
In 2024, celebrating its 23rd edition, the festival enthusiastically adopted the 'Monstra is Irish' theme, featuring Ireland as the guest country.
This year, the festival unveiled an impressive lineup featuring approximately 400 films from 44 countries, presenting a kaleidoscope of cinematic treasures. It also offered exhibitions, workshops, masterclasses, and the ArchAnim section, all complemented by a special celebration of Abstraction Day.
Highlighting this edition was the premiere of our first VR short film, "The Girl Who Speaks with the Wild-ish Horses," directed by Helder Rocha. This groundbreaking animated film brought to life through immersive virtual reality and the enchanting music of Noiserv, weaves a mesmerizing tale of heritage peppered with unforeseen surprises. As the protagonist anticipates the awakening of her mysterious gift, a revelation transforms her family's understanding of their tradition and the legacy bestowed upon them.

In a cozy mountain hut surrounded by an ethereal forest, hidden from curious eyes between magnificent mountains, a young woman eagerly anticipates her birthday.
There is a belief that on this auspicious day, she will gain the ability to communicate with wild-ish horses, the native inhabitants of these mysterious lands.
However, as the day approaches, things are changing in the mountain hut. Life's intricate tapestry unfolds, weaving threads of existence, death, and the intangible bonds that bind realms together.
Filled with acceptance, love, and the celebration of life's continuity, the narrative explores themes of the timeless bond between humanity and nature, where the seen and unseen intertwine, the might of family bonds, and the true value of the abilities we believe we possess.

Every element, from characters to settings, has been meticulously crafted in three dimensions, with textures applied to evoke the fluidity of watercolors and the richness of traditional painting techniques. The characters were brought to life through animation and the use of shaders, resulting in a captivating aesthetic.
Once the characters – including the grandfather, mother and child – and the settings – indoor and outdoor – were realized, our vision truly came to life through dynamic animations.
In the area of sound design, bespoke music was composed exclusively for this project by the talented Noiserv. Additionally, a series of sound effects were meticulously developed to complement the visuals, promoting a seamless connection and dynamic interaction between the various settings and characters portrayed.

THE GRANDFATHER had short hair and a long beard, white as snow. He used to rest with all his serenity in his old armchair situated in the kitchen, near a window. From there, he would spend his days gazing at the mountains. He used to wear warm and cozy woollen sweaters, always keeping his legs covered with a checkered blanket that exudes warmth. Each stitch in the fabric seemed to tell a story of comfort and togetherness, embodying the essence of his serene presence in the home.

THE YOUNG MOTHER is the protagonist of the story, is a 45 year old woman of medium height radiating a delicate beauty and a kind aura. Her brown hair is skillfully braided at first, though as time progresses, her locks find freedom and cascade loosely down to the middle of her back. Adorned with a crown of wildflowers, her hair complements the beauty of her lilac dress, harmoniously reflecting the colors of nature. Each day leading up to her birthday is filled with anticipation, marked with enthusiasm on the calendar, as she eagerly awaits the arrival of her special day.

THE CHILD is a five-year-old girl with golden hair that shines like strands of purity under the sun's rays. Her long fringe gently rests just above her pristine blue eyes, which sparkle with the innocence and curiosity unique to childhood. Dressed in a simple yet fine white dress, she moves with grace and lightness, her bare feet delicately touching the earth as she dances with everything around her.

THE INTERIOR of the house exudes the charm of a bygone era, where every corner whispers stories of tradition and warmth. The focal point of the story is the kitchen, warmed by the soft glow of an old oil lamp that casts dancing shadows across the room. A fireplace gently crackles, adding a comforting warmth to the space, while a lone window welcomes the sun's golden embrace, painting the room with a soft, inviting light. Beyond the window stretches a mesmerizing view of lush green mountains adorned with pine forests, their peaks delicately dusted with snow, creating a breathtaking scenery.

The kitchen is adorned with unique touches that enhance its welcoming atmosphere. Shelves full of antique utensils – plates, pans, and other relics of yesteryear – speak of generations past, each item carrying its own story. A rustic dining table with a vibrant bouquet on top adds a touch of color to the environment, while long benches evoke memories of prolonged conversations and shared meals once existed there. An old armchair rests beside the window, a silent sentinel overlooking the picturesque landscape where Grandfather once quietly contemplated the beauty of the mountains. One of the main elements of the story is a calendar hanging on the wall. Its pages are marked with great enthusiasm by the young mother as she counts down the days until her birthday.

Every detail and element comes together to create a vibrant scenery full of life, each item playing a role in the ever-evolving narrative. As time passes, the scene shifts and transforms into a living canvas where memories evolve into the unfolding tapestry of history. The marks of time become visible as objects once cherished in the house begin to fade away, a chair once occupied by Grandfather now sits empty, a poignant reminder of the passage of time.

THE OUTDOOR setting unfolds under the gentle caress of morning light, gently piercing the forest canopy to cast a delicate glow upon the trees, whose forms appear like pale specters amidst the tranquil landscape.
At the foot of the mountain lies a typical old wooden mountain house, surrounded by peculiar trees whose white trunks stand out against the background of vegetation. Devoid of foliage, these trees impart a sense of calm and relaxation to the setting.
In this tranquil environment, four horses roam freely, their coats blending seamlessly with the soft tones of their surroundings. Their presence embellishes a harmonious rhythm with nature, as if time itself has paused in this idyllic setting. Here, the only reality is the peaceful existence of these majestic creatures and the ever-changing landscape that unfolds around them with each passing day.

DIRECTION – Helder da Rocha Pereira
MUSIC – Noiserv
ART DIRECTION – Arina Zhumasheva
3D DIRECTION – Nazariy Voloshchuk
SOUND DESIGN – Juliana Quintas
DESIGN – Adrian Soto, Rita Miranda
3D PRODUCTION – Aleksei Kurilov, Joana Vieira, Beatriz Sales
ANIMATION – Duarte Carvalho
DEVELOPMENT – Maurício Ferreira