Horns - Animated Short Film

An antelope remembers why he became a trucker.
Thank you all for your patience throughout this year. This animated short is a project I've started working on since the summer of last year.
It has been on-and-off. But for the past few months I have been taking care of it every day, like it's my own baby bird. And now that it's finished. It's time to let it fly.
Doing this makes me happy. And that I get to share it with an audience that will remember it means more to me that you know. Thank you so much for your support
-Luke
The music for this short was composed by AxelVei.
/ axelvei
©Luke Bouwhuis 2022

[@okamireader5]

“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.” ― Alex MacLean

[@herobrine1847]

Hey it rhymes

[@Ed-zc5yt]

Lol best and most important part, it rhymes

[@wolftal1178]

I lost my mum this year, I hope that is true.

[@willstarbailey]

hard to believe this all started from a Charizard weight gain aimation

[@RaptiRaptor_OwO]

"Inflation"

[@darknaruto604123]

It's truly been a roundabout path

[@maybelater6282]

You can lowkey tell though since all the characters are furries and fat. It’s safe to assume 99% of the time that if someone draws chubby animal characters that they’re a fetishist

[@RaptiRaptor_OwO]

@@maybelater6282 "Inflation, Vore or Growth" i think they are only Furries/Scalies Fetish. I dont think any Normies (Hoomans) are into that...?

[@Effloreced]

​@@maybelater6282there is something intriguing though about it, an interest in a body type led to someone creating story's and art. It's true that fetishistic taste were the beginning of it but it led to something and for that... I applaud the creator.

[@stadlerplanck]

I lost my father about a year ago. This really hit home, in a super moving way. Absolutely adore this piece.

[@mottdropsie]

Sorry for your loss, hope you're doing ok~

[@cosmicreef5858]

@@KingDragonBoyTV1998 Why are you putting this under multiple comments? If you do not have anything to say then stop bothering people

[@rus7513]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[@LevitheEldritchAbomination]

@@cosmicreef5858 what did they say?

[@michaelquinones-lx6ks]

Me too! I lost my mother nearly 15 years ago!

[@puzzlethecheetah]

This is what the fandom is about. Regular people, family! And not being afraid to love what you love! The music, the animation and story in this are just perfect!

[@cosmicreef5858]

That was a very sweet speech! :)

[@cosmicreef5858]

@@KingDragonBoyTV1998 Read the comment!

[@Nupetiet]

hell yea truck fandom alive and well 🚛🚛🚛

[@rubrawolf]

The.. fandom? Big rig fandom?

[@kierangorman3052]

@@rubrawolf The Big Rigandom, if you will.

[@TheSkellingtonGhost]

This made me cry... so beautiful. Great job

[@blazethefox5721]

same. also his animations are amazing!

[@myoung352]

Jameson Golden shepherd dog), Howdy ho hi 👋

[@marcusbeach1762]

I read this before watching and thought, 'It's 5 minutes, how bad can it be?' I'm bawling rn

[@hacker1011000]

SAME

[@Batskiii]

Same

[@bombbud7523]

God, I feel that antelope dude. It's easy to forget the past as it weighs down on you when the present feels so dreary, but sometimes it takes a good reminder and embracing of the past to really let out all those built-up emotions - there's nothing that feels better than a cathartic cry. The puddle behind the raincoat kid in the shape of antelope's dad's head really drove home the remembrance. Absolutely aces dude.

[@wolfform]

With my father and I who both drive truck, this really struck a chord. Legally, we are not supposed to use those beautifully loud horns unless there is an emergency.... I will tell you, not once have I denied anyone, child or adult, who has done the arm pump, a good blast from those horns. All ages, seem to react the same, with utter joy just to be realized and recognized with that sound. It always warms my heart and keeps me trucking!

[@ALaughingWolf2188]

Your animations are always so charming and cute Luke, all of the time and effort you put in them really pays off! I love the message here too, amazing work dude

[@GloriousRigby]

KZbin just randomly recommended me this to me and I was amazed to find out we've been in elementary school together! Awesome to see you ended up going into animation and make something as great as this. Keep doing what you're doing, Luke! You may be going places.

[@FattyDragonite]

No way! It really is a small world. Thank you for watching it as well as this wonderful message, it is great to see you doing what you love as well. Godspeed, Mitchel! We're *BOTH* going places 🔥

[@FelipeAlmeidaMUSICAPPS]

What a lovely friendship you both have. ❤

[@adey5614]

My Dad was a trucker when I was a kid. It took him away from home a lot, but sometimes I got to come along with him, and I would do that motion to ask truckers to blow their horn. I remember getting that excited about it too. My Dad was my life at the time, so whatever he was doing was really important to me. He passed away when I was 18, from cancer. Almost 15 years later, I am watching this, with all those happy memories flooding back, and I felt like he was right there again, right next to me smiling and laughing happily that I was so happy and excited over a trucker blowing their horn. I'm never going to forget this animation and I don't know how I can thank you for letting me feel this way again. Thank you, just, thank you so much.

[@Gretri17]

Watching this made me think of my father and the memories. He's still alive, but he has gone thru so many close calls in his life. He almost passed from dengue fever, he almost passed from having bad kidneys. This animation makes me cherish the current and future memories I will have with him. I cried at the end of this, it was amazing how 5 minutes made me think about my dad like that

[@firesausegaming3453]

I honestly do not care at all about the fedish content but.. jesus christ this is pixar level. Luke i want to personally thank you for this. Wow.

[@blainehufnagle6602]

Oh my God.... The feels... I'm a trucker. My dad was a trucker, and died behind the wheel. I'll be a wreck the rest of the day. Thank you so much. 😊

[@MarcusStarkiller]

My grandfather was a trucker and would always talk about his time driving his old Mack truck.

[@razlight789]

I really appreciate how the horn is artistically depicted, its harmonious and immediately communicates nostalgia. Sound design 10/10.

[@blue4669]

When that dadly ghost hoof came over, instant tears. You make such emotional pieces and I didn't even have audio the first time watching.

[@wooferboofer]

3:44 The puddle looks like an antelope, it must have reminded them of their father. That was a really beautiful animation. The lighting and the detail adds a nice touch to it. Your artwork has inspired me to create my own. Keep up the great work! 🙂 -Wolfie.

[@apolloollopa1653]

wow, i didnt even notice until you pointed it out! such a neat detail by the artist

[@NotScoutie]

My mom passed a good year and nine months ago now. We used to go down to creeks and catch crawdads, or count traincars when I was younger. She introduced me to the world of art (direct and abstract) through the City Museum, and I went back there last year to see all the things she showed me at her level. Most of all, she and I used to roadtrip. I drive her car now, and I swear she's watching over me all the time. I miss her. But she's always there. I know it.

[@teeteestar3012]

Beautiful story and I love the double meaning of “Horns.” My mom also taught me how to signal truckers as a kid. It was always such a rush when they blew the horn. 😁

[@SaruphireWeredragon]

Heartfelt moments like this is what more people need to be exposed to and shown, to remind us all of what really matters.

[@leonlinn7910]

Over a milliok times better than what Disney's been putting out lately. Even got me shedding tears.

[@hotrodmercury3941]

As a trucker, this is good feels. Grandpa used to make me sit in his lap to drive his dump truck or I would get to ride with him on his back hoe or bobcat. Never realized I would become one. Glad I did, it's like being a kid again lmao. Beautiful animation.

[@micahthewolf27]

Every frame. Every shot. You put a lot of heart and soul into this piece and it shows so immensely!!!! This short is incredible, emotional, and beautiful!!! You did a fantastic job on this Dude!!! Keep it up!!!

[@IndieTimberStudio]

Hi Micah. You're not wrong.

[@micahthewolf27]

@@IndieTimberStudio it’s incredible Indie!

[@natenaitopaku1947]

I was today years old when animated antelopes made me cry. This was amazing.

[@HereticalKitsune]

So sweet, bringing the kid to a truck show~ Just a lovely and wholesome family day! Totally not crying at the end!

[@athenajayvieljerios8343]

"What good Fatherhood does to a person"

[@goldepanda132]

Can you please stop cutting onions? WHAT? IM NOT CRYING!

[@hitmonchan9607]

Oh no. My dad passed on the 31st of October, so things are still fairly fresh. I thought I was past it but the fact that I just started sobbing when I saw the puddle shaped like his dad is kinda telling. It came out of nowhere. Really beautiful work.

[@LeviSnoot]

Watching you work on this has been an absolute joy, and the final result is something truly beautiful. The scenery, expressiveness of the characters, and the quality of your lines have improved so so much since your last film and I'm very excited to observe whatever comes next. Me and some friends watched this over discord and it was so fun to hear everyone's reactions to the various moments, like when the driver of "Harte Beast"'s expression changed for example. Your stories are loved, and you're a wonderful, warm person I feel lucky to be around. Much love ♥

[@luistheyamper]

Watched it again after it being nominated for best dramatic short film.. still gets me all emotional and teared up.. you got my vote Luke!

[@CannonZeroKiryu]

I honestly dread the day my dad passes. He weren’t perfect by any means but he did his best and always found a way to make things fun. He’d always joke about exploring the stars as a ghost and to look up whenever I’m sad that he’s gone. I really hope I get to have more happy memories with my father before that time comes.

[@Wyllram]

Watching this one from inside my own truck. It's got some intense feels to it.

[@luistheyamper]

This is absolutely beautiful.. as someone who lost their father months.. it just hits home.. and really made me cry.. loss isn't anything easy to deal with and it hurts.. the music.. every frame.. the emotions.. I love how 4:25 is perfectly represented, it just hits you with the feels, keep up the good work Luke! love from Argentina, and love to dad who's resting in peace 💛

[@FancySpicyTuna]

God... I want to call my dad right now.

[@DirtyGingy]

I like how we basically hear all the sound effects through profound hearing loss

[@TheBlackMetalGoatDeer]

Mate, you should see road trains. Those things take up entire ROADS because they’re so big. They’re like diesel locomotives on wheels, but scarier. If you see one headed your way on an outback highway, pull over the the side of the road, because those things take up an entire lane and a half. Glorious feats of engineering. They’re a bit of a metaphor of tragedy. And I’ve had my dare share of that. No matter what atrocities life deals you, you must continue on. Perchance forgive, but never forget.

[@danilodasilvalopes9796]

Remembering the good times... I see... I'll remember that.

[@Andydeadsky]

We may lose the ones we cherish along this road we walk or drive called life, but never forget that they always are watching over us through the best and worst times. We cherish everyone we connect with and through that, we get the love, support and motivation to keep going. So never forget. Your not alone when you walk this road. Even if you don't know it, you help other people walk this road called life as well and you'll always be remembered and loved. Never forget that. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A HAPPY NEW YEAR IN 2023!!

[@EldritchDoodler4828]

Absolutely stunning work as always Luke, you pour everything into these and it shows! Loss is never an easy thing to deal with, and I’m glad you illustrated both that, and the fact that those who leave us are never truly gone.

[@Skizzo321]

I wasn't a big-rig kid growing up, but every Christmas I would get a Hess Truck, from 2 until well into my early adulthood, from my Pop-Pop. When he passed... they stopped coming. Damn this vid got me. I still have all of them.

[@loboranto]

In this cruel world full of bad things... Thank you for making me smile.

[@timstoddard3707]

Watched this in the intermission where I got more emotional than the main show I was watching. I think it was the only one that got an applause during the intermission.

[@jennyduong2466]

It may not have been what they imagined, the day to day gets hard. But remembering the importance of what you do, and the joy it gave you that you can now give to others. It helps you to keep looking forward

[@Tenkaw_Birb]

There's something special in the sounds effects. Those bring me back memories from different winters, and its... idk.... idk how to describe this feeling...

[@ze_glitchy_gamer7629]

Aw that little man...

[@H1V3_B0M8]

No matter if a person you had cared about is gone, they are always still with us.

[@Nerium_Aquifolium]

A part of my family works as truck divers and this was so heartwarming to see man, you’re such an inspiration for everyone who wants to animate too

[@redead80]

I'm a truck driver, and anytime I'm having a terrible day at work I specifically watch this video and it makes me feel better every time. I wish more people did the trucker salute. Even though we're not supposed to use the airhorn for anything except emergencies, I never ignore a trucker salute. There's been a few times where I've had abysmal days, creeping up on my 12th hour of work, an hour away from my domicile, stuck in traffic concerned that I'm gonna go past my 14th hour (we can't legally work past that). Some kids to the left of me stuck their heads out the car window to get my attention and told me to honk. So I did, and they all smiled. Instantly turned my day around. Many of us love using the horns when people ask us to. So do a trucker salute to your local truck drivers. It may just make their day.

[@anahoffman7745]

Aw man I welled up at the end- beautiful animation, sound effects, and music. Great job bro 👍

[@Yuki_Ram]

Touching movies lile this, even if short-lived, will be the sweet antidote to my soon-to-be passing of my grandfather.

[@numbuh1507]

Luke... CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING THE UMA!

[@ArnoSnyman007]

2:51 As a South African now living in the Netherlands (I see you are also in NL), seeing Springbok made my heart skip a beat. I also have a 5 month old son. I hope that we will be this close when he is grown up, and all I wish for him is to have a happy and fulfilling life. This really hit home.

[@baybaydraws]

*sees father and son having fun laughing* Me: “please don’t hit me with emotional damage” *emotional damage proceeds to hit me like a truck*

[@tylertichoc7330]

Yet another reason why I love Cervids in particular. I can just see, hear, and feel him driving off into the sunset honking that same horn his father let him hear from that Trucker as the Transformers Prime Ending theme plays.

[@dinoyts1515]

I love the way the atmosphere changes base on their emotions. And that totally reflects us to viewers how it really feels. Amazing job on this animation. Now excuse me, I'm gonna continue making a river of tears

[@rotomfan63]

I can't recall the last time a piece of media hit me this hard. You've done nothing but wonders ever since you started animating these character shorts. I can't wait for the next one that will grace us.

[@melanieskala7348]

Wooooooooowie!!!! Man as soon as Noah starting crying after rolling his toy truck his dad gave him it made me tear up!

[@ineedmydowntime6993]

This is so touching, and having a dad that inspired your career/job choice is really cool. I mean, my dad and i spend time together by playing video games, and that inspired me to pick my dream job, video game designer.

[@SkullpunkArt]

I love how the big scary dude in the big truck is just nice

[@Calbeck]

Made me tear up. TWICE.

[@aprilpeters1018]

my dad died from cancer when i was 17. its been a long time and i still havent fully grieved. nobody realizes how hard it is to lose a parent.

[@sugar_pup8197]

This animation has me crying because it just shows soo many heart-felt emotions.. I have a father, but I never got to experience a truly happy childhood with him.. my heart goes out to the people who have lost a parent at any point in their life 🩵

[@robin8137]

You are genuinely one of the most talented and amazing furry artists I’ve ever came across. It’s genuinely amazing how much work you put into your art and your short films. And trust me, as a viewer, it’s always worth the wait. Oh yeah, I forgot to also say this. Your work in particular means so much to me because I officially started considering myself a furry while listening to an interview of you. I feel obligated to send this, even if you might not see it.

[@GoldenDartRat]

I used to do this all the time as a child. Running as fast as I can on the side of the highway before the bus came trying to get someone to sound their horn. Man… I don’t remember why I stopped or when it was. Haven’t really thought about these memories in years. Thank you for this trip down memory lane.

[@isaacmaynez2491]

I was having a really stressful day today... Seeing this make me feel calm, happy and nostalgic. For a moment i feel like a child again, and i feel a lot this animation, because i have a close relationship with My parents, and i've a lot of memoria with them when everything is sunshine. This was beautiful, congratulations!!!

[@maxtechtech7478]

I absolutly love this. I am glad to see a father son animation that is very heartwarming. Just a young motor fur enjoying the trucks and spending time with his dad. brings me back to when I was an inocent child. And I felt that feeling when the child got older. I connect with this because my mother is always in the passenger seat with me. keep up the great work

[@jaiwilson9399]

Such a beautiful animation. Got me all teary eyed

[@cobaltblu4196]

My dad was a trucker and our trlationship crumbled when I was around 14... This brought back a lot of fond memories riding with my dad in his big truck....I miss the close bond we used to have...

[@thatoneguydjdoodles]

how did i find this masterpiece when it was only 2 weeks old? may the algorithm find this piece and spread it’s heartwarming glow to the internet well done, dude

[@ivanhoeluisio7718]

Hi, Now is that for first time that I watch this tale, I didn't watch before before coz I didn't know that the video was in youtube and I wasn't suscribe before (now yes). This story is very emotional, I was very moved 🥲, I'm glad that his late father is proud of have an incredible son like him☺.

[@voidtrotter]

This reminds me immensely of my step father. It brought me to tears. I miss him every day.

[@yetiboi472]

Please make a sequel to Lardizard Binge! I would love to see him get fatter!

[@macabre_and_cheese]

Cant believe its been 2 years since i lost my dad......this came out at the perfect time to help me feel better

[@marcusbeach1762]

Still remember this. Makes me cry every time I come back to it

[@goldfish8729]

This made me cry, like legit cry, this was so beautiful.

[@LevitheEldritchAbomination]

This actually brought me to tears- I have a strong relationship with my dad. He's very sick right now. The thought of losing him is horrible... He also used to be a truck driver.

[@alexkill9]

I'm see this, and feeling a sensation of peace with some crying, nothing of words, but said more that one can see. Touching.

[@Yaster.]

When fathers and sons really get along and love a common hobby, it is truly priceless, especially when the latter lovingly pass it on to those who breathe it, and their fathers will be proud of them too, even after they are gone...🤍

[@muffin_crow]

I felt literal chills watching this.

[@ivonnesaysmiau]

Peak animation, no seriously, this is amazing. Aside from the fat stuff, you really have a talent for short films. God knows why you're not recognized enough. You really deserve more recognition, Luke.

[@hierarchyofmood1220]

At this point the fat stuff just adds to it call it werid but in a sense it's adds to the charm

[@blazethefox5721]

@@hierarchyofmood1220 i agree!

[@Skylarker_drawss]

Fat stuff?

[@darienb1127]

@@Skylarker_drawss Look at his old videos.

[@darienb1127]

Well, the fat stuff is what made me find him in the first place.

[@kilijshark7667]

So heart warming, your characters in animation and pics are always adorable but coupling it with this heart warming story is beautiful! 😁💙👍🏼

[@Riyo_R]

I grew up pretty much with no father and this still brought me to tears

[@barrelracer318]

It is really crazy how something without words can instill soo much feelings... This is very touching and heartfelt. Something a lot of us are all going to experience and go through. Some, as I, earlier than others. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication to this project. For the tears brought up, and the joyous memories brought on afterwards.

[@cruxnajii2056]

No matter how many times I watch this, it never fails to make me cry.

[@MP-oj9tk]

This dude needs to be hired by a studio. Such great animation.

[@maximumshades3164]

Ngl I really want more short films from you. I LOVE SHORT FILMS they're amazing. The music and everything just hits so hard. . .

[@samaelthegoldenbear5674]

Lovely, emotional, there’s more words in my mind to describe this beautiful animation, but i can’t choose which one is perfect to describe this

[@aluminatsulana]

Leave my heart alone! It's not ready for feels!

[@trwolf2k]

Here I was smiling at the cute little guy and the big rigs, then its a gut punch right in the feels. Making a grown man cry at work, how dare you! :P

[@LilGamergirl14]

This was beautiful. As someone who lost their mom this year this hits home

[@humdrumbruin4001]

This is a tear jerker... It's beautiful how you conveyed nostalgia as a form of healing and rediscovering one's motivation (not to mention, it was cool seeing all the big guys there, heh!) Thanks for sharing your stories with us, Luke! ^^/

[@joshuaporter4672]

This hit way harder than I expected. I lost mother last year, and my father two years before her. I lost it when he grabbed his shoulder. Thank your for this beautiful piece to remind me of them.

[@LesMiniMondesdeMino]

I'm not crying ! I'm way past that point !

[@MurrayJones-od2gd]

Oh my gosh, this is absolutely incredible! Its so amazing how the things we’re passionate about connect us.

[@jacobspencer04]

Amazing Beautiful stunning Precious Very well done. Good job.

[@jonathansherwood5841]

Kids need their fathers, too. A ton of effort was put into this and we all can feel it, Luke. Axel Vei's music composition was spot on. Well done! 🐺🔧

[@theartoftimelapsemore424]

Wowee! Such great models of trucks! Freightliner, Kenworth, Volvo, White, and some sort of Freightliner style truck with Kenworth style headlamps? Hell friggin yes!!! Also, I want to take a moment to note one extra detail I saw. When the black cat kid moves out of the way, the puddle is shaped like the head of Noah's father. I only now just noticed that, since I got excited over the trucks.

[@LizBizBean]

Gotta love the little cat with the dog mom. So cute

[@tanaxtrenga7334]

Holy heck this animation is just so amazing! You're really getting better at it. The scene with him grown up and honking to the child was so beautiful that it made me go in tears. Even more when his dad just showed up. The style of everything is adorable and beautiful at the same time.

[@angelocasimiro4859]

i can't stop crying right now this too much really too much