Bambi & The Trilobite

An everyday walk turns into an unexpected adventure of discovery when Luke and his dog, Bambi, unearth what could be a priceless ancient artifact. Shot on 16mm Film and Starring Zach Strum from Amazon Original's "Uncle Frank" and "Sprung."

  • Cory Warner
    Director
  • Cory Warner
    Writer
  • Cory Warner
    Producer
  • Zach Strum
    Producer
  • Zach Strum
    Key Cast
    Amazon Original's "Uncle Frank" and "Sprung"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Feel Good, Family Friendly, Slice of Life
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 39 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 31, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    16mm Film
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Cory Warner

Cory Warner, an MFA Graduate in Cinematography from the American Film Institute (2014), brings a unique and grounded perspective to filmmaking. Raised amidst the raw beauty and close-knit communities of the West Virginia mountains, Cory's work reflects his deep appreciation for values such as integrity, resilience, and camaraderie. Cory seeks to make films that embed naturalism with a folkloric tradition and bring the audience into the lives of relatable people.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

From the fall of 2022 through to the spring of 2023, I resided in Portsmouth, VA, a quaint city on the Chesapeake Bay. I found myself immediately charmed by its historic ambiance and timeless appeal. Throughout my ten-month stay in the Bay area, I embedded myself into the community— forming bonds with locals, riding the ferry weekly, grubbing at the dinners, and becoming a regular at the historic Commodore Theatre.

As my time in the bay drew to a close in April 2023, a profound desire surfaced within me— to create a film that encapsulated the spirit of the town. Leaning on the connections and friendships I had forged, and drawing upon the mental inventory of favorite locations I had discovered during my stay, I set out to direct a short film. It was important for me to infuse the film with the town's inherent magic and mystique. This led me to choose to shoot on film, believing it to be the perfect medium to truly embody and convey the essence of Portsmouth.

“Bambi & The Trilobite” is a feel-good, family-friendly drama, shot on 16mm film. Though compact in its runtime of just over five minutes, my hope is that the narrative delivers an impactful, heartwarming tale imbued with charm. Additionally, my intent is to capture an authentic sense of place and to evoke a nostalgia reminiscent of timeless films.

The story is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay and follows a day in the lives of Luke and his loyal dog, Bambi. What begins as an ordinary walk transforms into an unexpected journey of discovery, as they unearth what could potentially be a priceless ancient artifact. This narrative seeks to remind viewers of the magic hidden in everyday life and the unexpected surprises it can offer.

Central to “Bambi & The Trilobite” is a theme of hope, exploration, and the deep bond between a man and his pet. My goal is for this universally relatable theme, coupled with the endearing narrative, to resonate with a broad audience.