Independent film · Global · 2026Film
Lullaby.
A young priestess must return three sentient swords to the land in a fantasy about friendship, memory and saying goodbye.
- Brand
- Independent film
- Agency
- Keigo Matsumaru
- Market
- Global
- Region
- Global
- Year
- 2026
Campaign images
The challenge
Make an audience care about companions that the wider world treats as tools, and sustain their distinct personalities through a solo-directed animated film.
The idea
Iris is the only person who can hear the swords. Her journey to return them to their places of origin turns a conventional fantasy quest into a series of farewells. The maker connects this premise to relationships with AI tools, using a painted animation style, distinct landscapes and music to give each goodbye its own character.
Results
- Festival cash prize: US$10,000.
Case study source: Higgsfield / filmmaker project Source ↗
Awards
- Higgsfield Global Film Festival 2026FreeformHonorable Mention
Credits
- Filmmaker, director and editor
- Keigo Matsumaru
- Project creator account
- @keigo_matsumaru