Tella | 2021 Award Winning Short Film

A lost girl gets a surprise visit from a fallen star that seems to give no notice of her...
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My short film "Tella" has been around festivals at different parts of the world and has so far enjoyed much recognition:
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Spark Animation 2021
OFFICIAL SELECTION at ARFF Paris 2022
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) 2022
SEMI-FINALIST at ARFF Barcelona 2022
HONORABLE MENTION at Long Story Shorts International Film Festival (Best Animation)
AWARD WINNER at Feel The Reel IFF (Best Animation, Audience award, Best Original Score)
AWARD WINNER at Vesuvius International Film Fest (Best Original Score)
AWARD WINNER at Venezia Shorts Italy (Best Original Score)
AWARD WINNER at Reale FIlm Festival (Best Soundtrack)
AWARD WINNER at Toronto Indie Shorts (Best Composer, Pauline Jan Villanueva)
AWARD WINNER (Best animation) at Kalakari Film Festival 2022 in India
AWARD WINNER at International Cosmopolitan Film Festival of Tokyo (Best Sound Design, Anthony Tobias)
BEST SOUND SCORE and BEST SOUND DESIGN winner in cineANIMO film festival, also nominated for Best Director and Best Editing
A short film by Zachary Conlu
Musical Score by Pauline Jan Villanueva
Sound Design by Anthony Tobias
ig: @kikorijohn
e-mail: [e-mail]
#shortfilm #short #animatedshortfilm #pinoyanimation #handdrawn #animation #animated #2d

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Hi! Thanks for watching the film, figured I'd post this "Director Statement" I did when was submitting to the festivals: "My main and only goal with this short film was to provide a story in which my character "Tella" can play in. Tella is a little girl with a home and a whole other story behind her, but that is not relevant to the story that I made in that I chose to isolate her, catch her in a moment of her life where she was lost and away from everybody else. This is a choice I made primarily because I was working alone and didn't think it was possible for me to commit to an animated film where I had to animate all 5-6 characters by myself. This was a passion project and little to no sponsorship that can secure me artistic help was secured nor pursued as I did not think much of it. I am currently grateful to have had enough of my own money put to the side to be able to work with two other talents for sound and music, but that was it. I chose her as my debut film to showcase primarily to myself and then hopefully to the world what ever talents or abilities that I have with regards to film and storytelling, and I must confess I have grown fond of her and I would like other people to know her and get curious about her as well."

[@gregorybeattie]

You succeeded with me at any rate! Tella seems a really cool character, and I would like to see more of her adventures.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

@@gregorybeattie I'm hoping to show more also! Thanks!

[@cronosofelysium1988]

thank you for the amazing story. i found it amusing, exciting but most of all, entertaining! i wish you the best of luck with your future career which i am sure will be just as amazing as this short animation is

[@DarkReaper2597]

I think you did a fantastic job with this story!

[@goteamslugs]

It's normal to desire that others see your work, especially if it's a heartfelt and ambitious project. I love the wonder, beauty, and innocence this presents and enjoyed every moment of it! That starry sky presented such a wondrous atmosphere to fly through that I didn't want it to ever end! I understand that taking that step into the unknown and trying something new is very uncomfortable because you don't know how others will react, but the end result is worth it! I support you all the way! =) By the way; Tella's facial features are somewhat reminiscent to that of "Lilo" from "Lilo and Stitch". Thank you, God bless and congratulations! :)

[@Darostelijaa]

I really like the parallels between Tella jumping off the cliff to show the star she can fly and the ending when the star jumps off the cliff to show it can fly now too. And the way you captured the expressions and emotions of the star even though it has no face using motions and animation is very skillful. I'm glad this short film was recommended to me! It made me smile.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank very much! What you said means a lot!

[@L.O.V.E.E.]

Spoiler...

[@Darostelijaa]

@@L.O.V.E.E. I'm sorry, but why would you scroll down to read the comments without watching the film if you don't want to see spoilers? The film is only 12 minutes long too.

[@abigaildenton4263]

Wow Tella has powers her hair can fly, it can be a blanket, and her eyes can glow.

[@laurentdanede9633]

yup

[@BoughtByTheBlood]

What a strange and amazing little story! I love how she uses her hair as a cloak. It's the literal interpretation of the verse that a woman's hair is her covering. It's beautiful!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

I like that you used "strange" haha cus it is a bit strange. Thanks!

[@blood_lad16]

It's like a friendship between a celebrity and average person. Putting down the arrogance and seeing another person's life helped the celebrity to fly again beyond the sky.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

never thought of it that way! Thanks!

[@MrMalix]

Was very confused at the start, why a girl with glowing green eyes has a hair cloak that let’s her fly, and why a star falls to the earth and starts walking? But in the end, it didn’t really matter why, the animation had a very wholesome and light hearted story that just made me happy to watch it.

[@ChindoEnyidah]

I love the animation of the star. The way it walks is amusing.

[@kyrab7914]

I love when it landed upside down and had to figure out how to get back to 2 star tips to walk

[@WilliamTarver848]

This is beautiful! The girl and the star are adorable, and the animation is amazing. I like the way you conveyed the emotions and the events without dialogue. In fact, everything about this is great, from the music to the character designs and backgrounds. Great work.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you very much!

[@pongoanimations]

Soooo many hard working animators on KZbin are underated

[@trvrsgtrrz5383]

This was beautiful and absoultely adorable!! I love how much character Tella and the lil' star has and how that was conveyed in this!!

[@sharonliew5833]

Wow! Creativeness + Originality = 5*****! Thank you.Enjoyed it very much.

[@skewerscribbles5259]

Wow this is so underrated i love how cheeky the girls is and this visually stunning!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you very much!!

[@pongoanimations]

Please show this artist some love❤️, This animation is really underrated ,I can't believe this

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you! Thank you!

[@MsSarinakg]

This was a lovely film to watch and I was with her on her mini adventure. Nice character development on the fallen star as well. The humour and visuals all very cute. I would love to see others of her adventures - well done .

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you! I'm planning on doing more, hope you'll get to see it.

[@lauriesmith1304]

Thank you.. I will sleep better now

[@reyadrianespiritu4148]

Hi Zach! It's me, your former prof in Benilde. Your FB post led me to this site. This is an amazing piece of work. Congrats!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Hi Sir Adrian! I remember you teaching us BIBSTUD (or something else, basta religion class haha). Glad you liked it po! Hoping things are well with your daughter and family.

[@LavendarButterfly]

This was definitely a unique little story. I can't get enough of these quirky, indie animations. This video is a great example of underrated and incredible talent. The star was really fascinating to watch move and express itself without any words or facial markings. I especially liked the part where Tella reaches over to it and it conjures that little orange flame on its hand point(?) to warn her to keep her distance. It was quite amusing.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

thank you very much!

[@samtheoutdoor]

The only thing I could remember the last time I watched this animated story was the tears dripping off my face. Sometimes communicating telepathically is louder than words. There's nothing like home! And loneliness is painful than physical injury

[@zacharyconlu9337]

I'm very glad! Thank you so much!

[@kevp9601]

certified fresh vanilla cakes for very very excellent

[@Aurelia03118]

Amazing story❤ The Star reminded me of my one arrogant/bossy but cute mate❤

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks very much!

[@Anonymous-rj2lk]

I love the message, and everything about this short film is just beautiful

[@poppyart2791]

I absolutely love this!❤

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks!

[@poppyart2791]

@@zacharyconlu9337 you’re welcome! I really love the storytelling and your characters in this, makes me really interested in her and her story

[@zacharyconlu9337]

@@poppyart2791 That's great! Cus there's more to come!

[@NNic.]

Absolutely endearing! 😍💕 Very well done!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you!!

[@luilui826]

Her eyes is so beautiful

[@gregorybeattie]

Is Tella the girl? I like her eyes and hair.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Yep she's the girl :) Thanks!

[@kevp9601]

incredible

[@Snowmoth8314]

I loved this storyline and the artwork was very beautiful ☺️

[@tomleslie6565]

Truly magical. Excellent job!

[@davidknight3249]

Loved this, absolutely!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks very much!

[@emcura]

this is so cute! love the little dude. great work!

[@kevp9601]

awesome

[@Aritra_Bag]

Hope to see more from you like this masterpiece ✨️

[@avnisinghal454]

This is just what I needed to warm my heart

[@DrS320]

every 'Star' has its 'Tella' great film

[@zacharyconlu9337]

That's a nice way to put it. Thanks for watching!

[@taekbrat101]

Really beautiful!! Good work!!!

[@wifitopia]

tella looks like a character from lilo and stitch

[@jerikropp6394]

Was thinking the same thing Love lilo and stitch

[@dreadnegus]

An absolutely beautiful story about friendship, love, and compassion. A visual masterpiece. The art is truly eye candy. I only wish I knew the significance the the markings above the "thank u" note the star wrote... a sketch of seemingly a female shape and the number "16?" marked in dashes beneath.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you for the kind words! Those markings are from her, she's been there a while so she's counting days and doodling stuff.

[@theblindbandit_76]

Wow this looks good

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks a lot! Glad you liked it :)

[@iluniev]

woww this iss wonderful❤❤

[@vidushiparashar3510]

loved the whole wearing the seatbelt bit

[@LucyLeigut]

So good! ❤

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you!

[@kevp9601]

I Love It a Lot

[@dereklacey1]

That was awesome!

[@leaflet1686]

I really liek the idea of hair as something usefull, other than being pretty. Hair as some sort of sugar glider thing, hair as extra limbs...

[@kick35508]

Beautiful animation! The girl is so cute😍

[@zacharyconlu9337]

thanks very much!!

[@rhonemeyer4277]

This looks really cool!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks!

[@dreadnegus]

I look forward to learning more about Tella and her world!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

I look forward to it as well! Slowly but surely working on a follow up, its gonna take a long while before its ready so I hope you get to see it still. Thank you!

[@user-hz2xl4co9u]

Really smartly done. Real emotion and gestures. Made it funny. I really enjoyed this because I dream from time to time of flying (soaring mostly) 😌😴

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks for watching!

[@DULCEYCRUEL1971]

HERMOSA historia ❤❤❤

[@dashinggamerz9236]

Best! And i want to suggest a thing to you that make even more because I think you made it with efforts and you are able to do a lot of it... So give it a try and have fun

[@claudiaduarte3048]

A amizade entre as duas é tão fofinha! Ah! Meu Deus! 😂

[@egg8494]

Beautiful!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you!

[@chal3t]

I luv that the star used her hair as a seatbelt at one point. Lol

[@caramelfemale8022]

💙 beautiful

[@Dr_Jetki]

Awesome!

[@realhosseinsalehi]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@wardragonizandomt8109]

Cute!!! Let's give It a like guys!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks very much!

[@moon_2312]

Amazing ❄️👍☺️

[@diptibhoir7590]

Heart touching story🙂❤️

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks! Glad you liked her :)

[@annsiguenza9108]

I really liked this vid it’s funny and amazing 😂

[@birinaL]

Beautiful ☘ without a word expression said all

[@ukaszgrzesik7231]

Great work, thank you!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you for watching!

[@beestek.94]

Hey this is really beautiful ❤️

[@zacharyconlu9337]

thanks!

[@user-vu4pd5ci5z]

this story tells about the unknown friend we meet the along our journey.

[@leanandmeangecko]

This is underated because of the time. It's little stretchy and lagging. I'm sure it would have been got a lot of likes and views if it's small, cos it's such a nice and amazing script plus animation

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Felt like it wouldn't do the story justice if it was any more shorter. Thanks for watching!

[@candysparkoof3784]

I really love it how she sleeps

[@MichelleSanBuenaventura]

More po nakita k ito s post ng tag 91.1 dubai. Bravo👏👏👏👏

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you po!

[@kentjohntuballas4193]

Hi! Nabasa ko yung article about this short film sa fb, kaya napunta ako dito sa yt, ang galing nyo po congrats :)

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Maraming salamat!

[@kentjohntuballas4193]

Hoping na makagawa ulit pa kayo ng short films :)

[@zacharyconlu9337]

sana nga haha. maraming salamat!

[@bettylozano295]

It’s the start faring? Jajajajajaja! I tough I imagine it, but then I rewind it again. That’s funny 😄

[@scenariostudios9763]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@pennysanchez7656]

You should work at Cartoon Saloon because this short is amazing!!

[@lilahclaycomb2118]

Yay

[@DennisTamayo]

I haven't seen the entire animated short film until KZbin uploaded it 5 months ago.

[@helars7426]

Ang cute. Hi Tella! My name is Tela. We look quite similar din minus the long hair! 🤣❤️

[@zacharyconlu9337]

pahaba ka po baka makalipad ka rin haha. Thanks for watching!

[@memyselfandi8354]

So beutiful.

[@-zaishasky-9001]

haha there's 69k views also your film is amazing ;o

[@zacharyconlu9337]

what a milestone amirite? hahaha. Thanks for watching!

[@belovedsourceofjoy]

nakakaproud kayo. salamat sa pag-angat sa ating lahi.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

salamat po sa pag-nood!

[@belovedsourceofjoy]

@@zacharyconlu9337 walang anuman po. shinare ko na sa mga kaibigan at pamangkin. 🥰

[@jeffscrungle6179]

Great work!

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks!

[@jeffscrungle6179]

@@zacharyconlu9337 You've made the world incrimentaly more beautiful.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

@@jeffscrungle6179 What a great thing to be told. Thank you!

[@jonalyntv9437]

Watching from Sharjah UAE...

[@Fido-vm9zi]

Hello from 🇺🇸

[@ariyooniyelu9249]

Does anyone else thinks she looks like Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. She will definitely be Stitch as a human girl🤔🤨.

[@tsipiwoud5179]

Yep she do

[@shekelafarmer8306]

Nice name Tella is also a cutie little made-up animated big eyes girl character that I cared to watch her face expressions and body movements of including to flicker her hair at times by the attached 🎥 show.😁↗😘 Peace and respect to the artist for such neat artwork.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@santiagoromanromero2032]

Once more the time, in the morning, the little girl called tella, what she was in the forest, and that night, tella meets a little star fall in the sky, and fall in the ground, later, Tella and the little star are best friends while they two are fun the blue sky, and then, the two friends stay slepping tegether, and then, the morning is here again, tella wakes up when his friend is leaving now, tella say goodbye to the little star, and, they have a mision, the end. 👧🏻⭐

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Thank you for watching!

[@guntherthequizmaster9515]

A dark power has found its way back into the world. - Radagast the Brown, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) You have taken your first step into a larger world. - Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

[@christiantwist3360]

I find this star cuter than the one from wish

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Wow that's a compliment haha thanks for watching!

[@candysparkoof3784]

her sleep is cute

[@Antman367]

Thx :)

[@Angel-iz7bb]

muy light

[@hopel2098]

It was cute

[@stefanimahmudova8683peach]

Yes up

[@danielaazumiponceccamapaza4205]

Good

[@tinaansteckbar3105]

Thx :-)

[@maria7133]

☺️👸🏻

[@GhostDog11]

You should have more sub

[@brookedickson4118]

The moral of this story is to wear your seatbelt.

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Yep absolutely. Thanks for watching!

[@victorwilliams5508]

Who exactly is Tella and can you tell us about her?

[@claudiaferreira9836]

Tella s' hair was a seatbelt😢

[@zacharyconlu9337]

safety first

[@mariabeatriznogueira9970]

tella short film is a creative film of course of cadritech

[@iamatrainfan]

How old is tella

[@zacharyconlu9337]

Maybe about 6 -7 years old. Thanks for watching!

[@nuclearducks7387]

death's favorite.

[@dunlopgreenwood2642]

She was night version and what if she was adopted by human