Little Lights is a passion project that started with two artists, Rivelle Mallari and Reginald Espiritu, who envisioned to tell a story by combining the art of animation and live musical scoring.

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The short film was done by a small group of artists who hope to create something breathtaking in their respective fields. Our artists worked together to combine the intricacies of hand-painted watercolor elements, digital animation and full-orchestra musical scoring to breathe life into the story of Charlie the Firefly.

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Synopsis

A physically weak but strong-minded firefly named Charlie is forced to face his fears. Charlie struggles, not only to overcome his fear of darkness, but also to find his place in his discord-riddled firefly community. But, in spite of his own weaknesses and the indifference of his fellow fireflies, Charlie sets out to become stronger, eventually leading his loved ones to safety when danger arises.

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Little Lights is a story about being born with a lack of light. More importantly, it shows what happens when we, as individuals and as a community, discover what it means to be empowered by our differences and similarities.

Told using a combination of unique visual and musical artistry, Little Lights aims to inspire others to find their own light and to not be afraid to share it.

Style

The team decided to traditionally paint the elements using watercolor to give the film a more organic look suited to its environment.

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Some of the elements and still shots from the film

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Director’s Profile

Born in Manila, Philippines. Rivelle Mallari aspired to be a filmmaker since she was in high school. She pursued her passion by studying Bachelor of Arts in Film and Audio-Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She works mostly as Video Editor, Animator and Compositor in different film and advertising projects.

 

 

Director’s Statement

In the midst of total darkness, one little light can create a huge impact. How much more if this little light combines with other little lights?

While I have witnessed so much discouragement and hopelessness around me, I have continued to believe that there is always hope. I have realized that most of the time, we simply need to get out of our own comfort zones and learn to work together in spite of our differences. This is why I have always wanted to create a film that would positively influence different people while not denying the existing problems in our society. Little Lights is the product of this dream. It examines the concepts of weakness, unity and hope, as its characters are confronted with challenges that stem from the individualistic pursuit of personal agenda. As the film’s end shows, however, everything that the characters have gone through eventually works together for a greater purpose.

The team is currently looking for avenue such as film festivals to showcase the adventure of Charlie in the film, Little Lights.