WALTER - Animated Short Film

Instagram: / lorenzo.fresta
Scritto, diretto e realizzato da Lorenzo Fresta (CalArts 2019)
Sound design di Ben Huff
WINNER "BEST ANIMATED FILM" at Los Angeles Festival of Cinema
WINNER "BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM" at Rome Independent Film Festival (2020)
FINALIST at Rome Independent Prisma Award (2020)
FINALIST at Movievalley Bazzacinema (2019)
SEMI-FINALIST at Visualis Film Festival (2019)
SEMI-FINALIST at Los Angeles Cine-Fest (2020)
SEMI-FINALIST at Laurus Film Festival (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Beverly Hills Film Festival (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Wellington Independent Film Festival (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at San Francisco Independent Film Festival (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at La Guarimba Film Festival (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Cardiff Animation Nights (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Ciné Court Animé (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at shnit Worldwide Shortfilmfestival (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at WEIRD International Animation Market and Festival (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Wasteland Film Festival (2019)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Mountain Tales Film Festival (2019)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at CineX Independent Film Festival (2019)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Cinekid ScreeningClub (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at Big Shoulders International Film Festival (2020)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at 12th International Children's Film Festival (2019)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at DUMBO Film Festival (2019)
OFFICIAL SELECTION at JELLY FEST (2020)
Instagram: / lorenzo.fresta
Contattami: [e-mail]

[@agentmischief4214]

When I saw the character design I was like "wow, this looks like something from Ghibli"

[@hanicreates]

Same here lmao

[@Maguspy340]

haha same! That's why i clicked..

[@jakobbauz]

Aaaah you're right, that's probably why I immediately liked it.

[@wongduannabamrung7004]

I do not know ghibli for my it was ponyo

[@sryphaillustrations]

@@wongduannabamrung7004 It’s exatly what i was thinking.( Ponyo is a ghibli’s animation. Ghibli is a popular Japon animation studio. They make amazing 2D Movie like Princess Mononoké, my neighbor totoro etc…)

[@cartiluvr666]

This speaks volumes seconds in. Pollution, Drought, Extreme Heat, the main character being an animal that requires a semi-aquatic environment to survive, but has plants in an indoor setting so he can have a somewhat normal habitat.

[@chuggajr]

I think you’re looking too deep into it bro. I just got a little toad flying with dandelions.

[@andrewp6575]

​@@chuggajr I'd argue against that. The environmentalist message is very readable in the toon, it's hard not to draw parallels between the ecological efforts of mister frog here and our struggles with real world problems. But the film is definitely good enough to be watched twice, at least, to also appreciate the worldbuilding, the subtle details, and the beauty of the frogman soaring through the sky.🐸

[@davideos8927]

Caramba você e linda 😊

[@sylvieshuu]

Cultivating plants in a world devoid of water. Beautiful!

[@hadrian270]

With garbage everywhere is an accurate touch too.

[@sgtpepper6379]

Yeah it's like California

[@sylvieshuu]

@@sgtpepper6379 Exactly :)

[@Jawsomest]

On the plus side, there was nobody there BUT walter. (And the lil fairies)

[@Hello-oe7wg]

Walter put your bottles away walter I'm not interested in buying milk today walter

[@cortinastone]

I am the one who milks

[@gildedpeahen876]

I see it as a bit post apocalyptic, or post technology at least society. The garbage that characterizes the Anthropocene piles up. He treks each day far from town, to find a cloud…he waters his plants because they bring him joy, and he loves them. I see the magical plant as the last of its kind, having a joyous resurrection, and thanking him. Walter doesn’t try to “own” the flower, but lets it be wild and free 🖤 Thank you, I loved this creation.

[@snugbug7241]

I love Walter. He’s so well characterized and emotional I love this short film!!

[@clovirs]

You might like nausicaa!

[@joss_raspberryenergy]

I know that you speak about an animation But what kind of animal is he

[@claudioconforti5608]

@@joss_raspberryenergy a frog

[@David-eg3vx]

Welcome to Ohio where it like heck in here

[@lz9571]

Walter white

[@grimmmorio]

Such a wonderful movie! The backgrounds tell so much with so little, it truly incapsulates the look of a small italian town, and the animation is so good!!! When I thought I knew what the story was about it blossomed in such a whimsical and dreamy ending! Also as an italian seeing the posters of a certain bunch of shitheads all teared up made me smile more than a little. Great movie, can't wait to see more of your stuff

[@tgbluewolf]

Non-Italian here, who do you mean and why are they shitheads? I'm guessing some politicians lol

[@robertocollo2890]

@@tgbluewolf yes, they mean: “masters in our house” and “Italians first”

[@carolinewalters3097]

This reminds me of something I would've found in an illustrated book for children, which I mean as a high compliment to your work. I'm also fond of toads, frogs, or other amphibious creatures, so one of the reasons I decided to watch. I don't know how long it took you to create this work of animated art. I wasn't sure what to expect because of how abandoned the town looks and old, it gave me the feeling of he could be alone or there could be other residents there we don't know about yet since we're only focusing on him. This has the feeling of being part of a bigger world, if you so choose to expand upon it. Your style has some touches of Ghibli about it, which has become a worldwide recognized art style in itself when it comes to animated films. Consider that another compliment to your choice of colors, art style, character design, backgrounds, and lighting. Keep up the wonderful work you're doing. Be encouraged to continue doing what you love if this is something you want to pursue. Sincerely, A fellow animated enthusiast

[@nicg2473]

I’m kind of confused on what the plot is do you know?

[@lorenzofresta]

Thank you Caroline for taking the time to write this! It means a lot to receive such nice and thought out words, I'm really glad you enjoyed the film :) take care!

[@lorenzofresta]

@@nicg2473 no hidden messages, just a toad catching clouds to water his plants :) he got a nice surprise in the end tho, let's just hope things turn out alright for him!

[@sophiabeatty3270]

What a hat!

[@andreywzk]

The fact that the character's name is so close to the word water is such a nice detail

[@cascadianrangers728]

I always have 6 minutes to watch someone's little animated masterpiece. This must have taken so long, so much work. Really great. This feels familiar, like a dream Ive had before but don't remember

[@tevaalcindor]

Always

[@phuongnhi8521]

The scene when Walter flew high & emerged himself in the dandelion cloud. My heart just felt so warm & peaceful.

[@uyanie]

This made me cry. I have a friend who passed away recently. The last picture he shared was a picture of a dandelion. My dear friend is terribly, sorely, extremely missed.

[@tokelomoeketsi2065]

My deepest condolences ♥️🫂 he lives on through your memory of him. I hope you find solace in the that

[@marylamb2130]

I love the versatility of Walter's hat.

[@lorenzofresta]

yeah they don't make hats like this anymore....

[@Summitic]

This is beautiful. Congratulations. I hope to see more short films in the same aesthetics ans vibes. This reminded of the Japanese animated series about Sindbad ( Arabian Nights: Sinbad's Adventures (アラビアンナイト シンドバットの冒険, Arabian Naito: Shindobatto no Bōken) ). You should start a crowd funding campaign to create an entire series like this.

[@lorenzofresta]

ah this is so great! I've never watched it but it's definitely the kind of product I react really well to! Plus I see that Yoichi Kotabe was an animator on the show, it can't be bad :) thank you for the recommendation!

[@Summitic]

@@lorenzofresta it's one of the best animated series in terms of aesthetics, technicalities and stories. It's a shame it was never dubbed in English. I have not been able to find the German version or any other dubbed version other than Arabic and Japanese. Let me know if you manage to find any. Here are some alternative titles: アラビアンナイト シンドバットの冒険 (Japanese title) Los viajes de Simbad (Spanish title) Przygody Sindbada (Polish title) Shirab, il ragazzo di Bagdad (Italian title) Sinbad de Zeeman (Dutch title) Sinbad le marin (French title) 아라비안 나이트 신밧드의 모험 (South Korean title) Sindbad (German title) The Arabian Nights: Adventures of Sinbad مغامرات سندباد (Arabic title) ماجراهای سندباد (Persian title) Sindbad Jahazi (Indian title) Σεβάχ ο θαλασσινός (Greek title)

[@whoscatimi7590]

I remember watching that with my mom when I was younger so many fun memories

[@creativ.medium]

@@whoscatimi7590 in which languages did you watch it ? I am trying to find the german and french versions but i can't , it was apparently dubbed in so many languages, i can only find the arabic version online : Arabian Nights Sinbad no Bōken (Japanese) Los viajes de Simbad (Spanish) Przygody Sindbada (Polish) Shirab, il ragazzo di Bagdad (Italian) Sinbad de Zeeman (Dutch) Sinbad le marin (French) Sinbad no Bouken (Japanese) Sindbad (German) The Arabian Nights: Adventures of Sinbad سندباد (Arabic) مغامرات سندباد (Arabic) アラビアンナイト シンドバットの冒険 (Japanese) 天方夜譚 (Chinese (Taiwan))

[@foxpro3002]

this is one of the most beautiful shorts live seen in a while. no dialogue needed and the animation really reminds me of a Ghibli film. you are truly a great artist and i hope to see more of you.

[@styxwessel5930]

Walter. Put your water away Walter. I'm not thirsty right now, Walter.

[@ROVideos]

I noticed Walter is a lefty. Just like Lorenzo. ONLY if you are left handed would you walk the bike on the right side. And in Lorenzo's profile picture he's holding the phone with his left hand. Nice touch.

[@lorenzofresta]

:D wow

[@normallyautistic50]

He is Italian too 😊

[@BeamIhor]

Walter is a guy who does good and spreads it in the world at the cost of daily labor. And he does it not for money but out of the kindness of his heart.

[@raymondhuke2524]

waltuh. put the flowers away waltuh. Im not flying around anymore waltuh

[@jeefberky9101]

Been a while since I've felt so lovingly giddy while watching an animated short. It's grandeur is very subdued and treated with similar reverence as Walter's daily struggle, it's somehow very down to earth and fantastical at the same time, like a childlike wonder, which is something I've seldom come across in anything other than Ghibli films. Similarly, I rarely see such mastery over the mundane, not needing to speed to the next interesting plot point because you know how to make simple things interesting to behold. Bravo.

[@lorenzofresta]

This kind of comments truly mean a lot, thank you for this

[@xNoiiRxcCoeuRx]

Reminds me of Ghibli Studios, the Artstyle and the way he reacts, overarching but the still contained character movements. Gave me so much serenity. Thank you!

[@zlasless]

It is stolen

[@haydenrfroehlich7081]

I see it as the joy of contributing to the cycle of life in a world that seems devoid of it. Beautiful beautiful work here. The expression work is subtle but conveys so much personality and emotion.

[@Sundawg17]

Walter... Put your bike away Walter... I'm not letting you outside no more Walter.

[@zandraxofnebulon]

The sound design in this work is impeccable. The clinking of the glasses and the way they reverberated in the different acoustic environments showed incredible attention to detail on the part of the sound designer. Audio and sound dont get enough attention but they have a massive impact on the quality of a piece like this. Excellent job

[@2Meows]

JESSE, we need to PLANT

[@petergambier]

Well done Lorenzo, good effort by you and the team. I really think (and hope) that hand drawn will come back again and spent about 20 years working on animated features and commercials as an assistant animator, so I can appreciate the amount of work that had to be done. If you worked on features you had to draw at least 10 to 12 finished drawings per day. In commercials it's about 40 per day and at the studio in Munich where I worked our 4 woman cell painting team took about 1 week to finish 350 cells for an average advert. Then the boss bought a digital system called Animo and 1 operator took 5 hours to finish the work and, unlike the cell painters work, which still had to go to the camera rostrum and be mixed with the live action footage, the digital work was ready to publish. I quit in 2002 when everything went digital, now I'm a lime plasterer. All the best from England.

[@lorenzofresta]

Hi Peter, thank you so much for sharing your story. It's a sad story tho, I can't imagine how painful it must have been to abandon animation after all those years. They were different times indeed... could I ask you some productions you worked on? And what did you do exactly? If you decided to learn how to use a digital drawing software and a graphic tablet, I'm sure you could get back in the game, even if just for fun or create something for your own :) I'd like to hear more from you, let me know! Take care!

[@petergambier]

@@lorenzofresta, thanks for the kind words Lorenzo, the most famous film was Disney's Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Asterix in America and after that I was working in Munich for different commercial studio's and small assistant jobs for various animators. I've never used a graphic tablet and never will as now I lime plaster houses full time.

[@xfloodcasual8124]

@@petergambier Bob Z! I got to work on his later CGI films.

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

I will make a point of seeing a new film if it's traditionally animated. They're a rare breed these days, but I'm hoping for that to change.

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

I'm not exaggerating when I say this looks better than anything Disney have put out in 10 years.

[@SmolTeacher69]

Serious Studio Ghibli Vibes. Character expression pacing emotion message setting. And that cute little bow at the end, thanking the frog for taking care of the plant. Felt really good to watch.

[@men_del12]

I'm glad KZbin recommended me this. My hope feels lifted after watching this.

[@positron949]

宮崎駿を徹底的に学んでいるし、部分的には追い越して居る。カットの積み重ねのセンスが素晴らしい。自転車で坂を上るシーンは息を呑む出来。こんなのよく造ったな。ノルシュテインの話の話とかも、その労力に呆れるけれども。

[@AdrianNeptune]

È assurdo, ma carinissimo, fa sognare ! I disegni ricordano quelli nipponici, l'ambientazione è davvero magica. Mi hanno colpito le sue premure, il suo altruismo, il suo volare tra le nuvole, tra i fiori di cotone (o di dandelion) che nel loro insieme formavano una via Lattea, il tutto ammiccava al suo nome Walter (water) è alla sua figura da lattaio. È stato bello vedere il fiore che lo ringrazia per le sue cure che hanno contribuito a ridare una speranza alla rigogliosità della vita in un mondo oramai arido, lo ha fatto soffiando sul fiore.

[@exstacey2653]

I love for these kinds of animations. the nostalgia of seeing these way back when and seeing new ones.

[@ChindoEnyidah]

One of my favorite parts is when the cloud Walter captures turns to water, and he wrings out the water into his bottles.

[@GomTiles]

Beautiful. My favorite part was when the cloud was bursting out of the lighthouse and he lost his hat, then caught it, then flies out himself. Genius.

[@user-rz2bw5ej5s]

Dear Lorenzo, there are a few tears in my eyes. Walter and you are my friends! Love, Harel from Israel

[@lorenzofresta]

[@rebecaguimaraes5193]

So adorable!!! A lot of Myiazaki's influences ❤

[@owenbunker1891]

waltuh, put the bottles down, waltuh

[@muffin_crow]

The silence... This types of stories can only be told in animations and I love that.

[@auntiea]

The atmospheric effect uphelp throughout the entirety of the film was nothing short of incredible artistry!

[@HITARIX]

“Thanks for the drink. Now, let’s break the window and get out of here”

[@DrecoMandres]

What a beautiful film. Great simple storytelling and incredible animation! ❤️

[@Jimbodawg]

One of the best animated short films I've seen in ages. Not only is the animation itself beautiful but the foley sound design seems like a lot of thought and care went into it. An emotionally moving piece for sure!

[@Dziricani]

The story is about something hidden in Walter's name. His name...without the "L". Lovely animation. The sound design and quality are superb too.

[@Tabi_In_the_fog]

Walter is such a good guy. The bow of gratitude from the last seed was beautiful.

[@jassiwolfi6168]

Artistically unbeatable. I'm in love!

[@viniciuslopes7559]

This animation reminds me of Studio Ghibli, but low-budget haha. I loved the quality of the expressions, please keep posting

[@gabivallu8436]

such a delight to watch an "old pacing animation style" like this.

[@editingvideo1175]

Questo corto ha un calore assurdo, adoro come ci si affezioni a Walter in così poco tempo, e la parte surrealista se così vogliamo chiamarla dei fiori di leone è davvero memorabile. Insomma, gran lavorone 💜💜💜

[@suddish3971]

Waltuh, put ya bottles away waltuh, ya not gettin any water today waltuh. I’m sorry I had too

[@BobyChanMan]

A society grows great when men plant trees the shade of which they know they will never enjoy.

[@NightEyeStudio1995]

This is amazing, for a moment I thought I was watching a Ghibli short! The visual storytelling is amazing as well, getting the whole history of this setting across without a single word being spoken

[@TurboHooptie]

We spend so much of our time, energy, and resources into cultivating and nurturing certain aspects of our lives, such as career, relationships, mental and physical health, etc. We tend to expect those things to respond according to our efforts that we put in, we expect to visibly see the improvement on the outside in direct correlation to our actions. However, sometimes we end up noticing those very things that we're trying to nurture/rescue are not improving, but rather getting worse no matter how much we try. However, with persistence and positivity, even if our actions did not achieve the expected result, sometimes, the unexpected final outcome is far better than what we ever anticipated. We just have to be consistent and trust the process. Thanks for this beautifully introspective piece.

[@tired_soda9781]

i absolutely adore this animation, everything from the backgrounds to the character design to the sound design is so meticulously put together and yet you can tell how much love was put into this project and i love it

[@Tanja_Summer]

Walter! This is your Cosmos. Your life. You are not alone. We all love you.

[@shekelafarmer8306]

Walter 👀 look like he minding his own business not causing problems. Respect to the artist for nice artwork of drawing of character. 👌

[@TallerdeVitrales]

Que hermosa obra. Tanta delicadeza narrativa en un cuento animado que nos recuerda la existencia de buenos sentimientos que todos tenemos y ahi están, en la inocencia de Walter. Cuanto precioso trabajo creativo❤!

[@Pikopipikachu]

0:50 Bro thinks he's Walter White.

[@suhaylhakak480]

Mr. Lorenzo Fresta, it's a genius on Display... Not many artists have the potential to bind the viewership but trust me you glue the viewership...You have done overwhelming justice to all the small, large and even all the in-between details that complete this masterpiece...There is such a deep unspoken Communication everywhere somehow communicated so effectively... The climax is the real thing, the acknowledgement of the mutual dependence as well as independence between the Flower and Walter... Please Make more stuff like this, I can really pay money whatever I can afford to watch your artistry and perfection... Love and respect all the way from Kashmir...

[@mildlymarvelous]

If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it was meant to be.

[@lorenzofresta]

wow, definitely never saw it this way!

[@HalIucinations]

All that work, just to make a wish. It genuinely looked worth it, beautiful

[@wallflovr]

I love how a man goes far away from the village uphill until to the clouds to take waters for a drying plant in his garden

[@Folfah]

i dont think ive ever been this interested in a youtube animation before. 10.10

[@dreamcatcher4461]

Walter, put your water away Walter. I'm not having a drink with you right now Waltuh

[@elusivemayfly7534]

Perfect. We learn so much about Walter. Every frame is full of meaning on his character and world. What a gentleman and a humble hero.

[@juank8506]

Can't stop watching this, honestly it made my day,, Congratulations!

[@MDM2-MDMX]

Vedere l'Italia desertificata è un colpo al cuore

[@danieldubrovin8813]

Waltuh, fix your bike waltuh don't go flying into the sky waltuh

[@bassandrenewable]

Whoever titled this WALTER, that's the genius I just kept shouting WALTER!!! @ every scene .... Tree of Life . Gr8 work of art

[@壹禾子]

It was my childhood dream to have a house full of dandelions hahaha

[@Josuh]

love how my man is so comfortable with gliding and flying

[@gwupoo]

this is absolutely beautiful . it must have taken a lot of time to make and it must have paid off . love the pacing ,simple backgrounds , expressions and eveything and its story was very entertaining ☺️

[@nemasis3134]

That was amazing. I love it when no one speaks a language. It let's the art shine out more

[@dysn3961]

The mood is captured so well here, the colors have a nice focus of direction, and the character animation is delightful~

[@elijahshmijah]

That was so incredible and cute and cozy and beautiful, you’ve got such an amazing talent sir 🙏🙏

[@vanshikha7179]

I've seen this film a little too many times and I just love it more and more, and it's as good as the Ghibli universe. I cannot get enough from this work of art, thank you for creating it!

[@glitheddetective2659]

walter put the short film away walter

[@Maria-yl3nk]

Ciao, bel corto. Per come "lo" vedo io, è acqua 💧 Complimenti!

[@Time_pug]

I genuinely thought this was a Ghibli animation when I saw the thumbnail. Great work!

[@pennywrite2436]

There is something innately ghibli-esque about this short film, and I love it to pieces. Beautifully done.

[@lemogradient7526]

This is so beautiful!!! I love how the drawings look like it's made traditionally with cel animation, there are some scenes where the drawings have shadows behind them, just like in cel animation!! Cool detail!! I love the backgrounds too

[@geoben9801]

Animation Art and whimsy to the Nth Degree! Bravo! 👍👍👏👏👏✌️💙🇺🇲

[@raven_byarik]

Такой душевный мультфильм! Анимация на высшем уровне, звук - потрясающий! А эти облака одуванчики - невероятно. Главный герой мульта просто шикарен

[@650RepzOFC]

I love this simplicity of the art style and the way the character interacts with his plants is amazing

[@bovinearrogance]

i just came here to comment "Waltuh"

[@suekaraiskos7104]

😅

[@simonefiorentino4645]

Quanto vorrei vedere un intero film così, farebbe di un bene incredibile all’Italia

[@-mj-3376]

Absolutely beautiful! You are so underrated!

[@synsyin4725]

What a well-told story! And the sound design adds so much, too.

[@serget2366]

Original et charmant. Merci beaucoup pour ce court métrage !

[@crackersphdinwumbology2831]

Waltuh.. I'm not delivering you bottles today, Waltuh

[@ThatAnimalChannel]

holy cow this gave studio ghibli vibes. I want more of this!!

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

SO SHWEEEETTT...much love Tee with LIONS NAMED LEO.[the music worldwide} and sooo cool..!!!

[@Caveoculus]

Ghibli vibes, specially at 4:13, very awesome.

[@toomanymonkeys21]

The way he goes flying with just his shapeless little hat…! So delightful.

[@angelyrighetti284]

I loved it, I can totally see this as a movie

[@alaminsahriar]

Can you explain the story please.... I Don't understand the story 😕

[@Folfah]

@@alaminsahriar theres nothing to understand lmao. just watch and thats it.

[@roguebuddha]

A little poetic masterpiece in the great tradition of telling compelling stories in animation. Truly wonderful, thank you.

[@marcosgomezolivos]

Lo he visto varias veces. Me gustó mucho la trama. El mundo que creaste y todo el significado que hay detrás. Además la animación y la narración visual está bellísimo.

[@PovSlacking]

waltuh.... put the water away, waltuh.... it is not time to water your plants right now, waltuh....

[@sdaki1962]

Stupendo. Quei manifesti mi hanno fatto venire i brividi ahah

[@lorenzofresta]

haha a volte qualcuno li coglie :) grazie!

[@bobtornton1436]

During these 6 minutes i traveled in another world. Thank you for the trip !

[@ollietheartist1719]

This had a real sense of wonder and realism to it. Fantastic work. I hope you’re having a busy and well paying career now ❤

[@Factskimg]

Ameen 😊