Be-Friended

Isolated in a world connected through devices, an elderly lady longs for a connection so much that when a singing dragon says hello she goes with it. Though their relationship is filled with delight it endangers her and those around her and the lady must open to a new way of connecting.

  • Crystalyne Jade Willis
    Director
  • Crystalyne Jade Willis
    Writer
  • Crystalyne Jade Willis
    Producer
  • Jason Pike
    Producer
  • Sharon Hackett
    Key Cast
    "Dorris"
  • Laura Trundle
    Key Cast
    "Cuddles"
  • Elizabeth Gritten
    Key Cast
    "Julia"
  • Felix Becroft
    Key Cast
    "Drew"
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short, Other
  • Genres:
    Childrens, puppetry, musical, drama
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 5, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 NZD
  • Country of Origin:
    New Zealand
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • TAMIZHAGAM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
    Tamil Nadu
    India
    Best Children's Short Film
Director Biography - Crystalyne Jade Willis

Crystalyne's colourful upbringing as a Mayan-Kiwi raised in Tokyo and Mexico City before landing in New Zealand and Australia lends to her unique lens on the world.

She has trained as an actor in New York, studied script writing & stop-motion animation in Prague, and completed a Bachelor in production & costume design in Wellington. She adores form, colour, and texture and harnesses them as the storytellers.

Crystalyne has worked as a set decorator & set dresser/buyer in the film/TV industry for 10 years whilst writing and directing her own projects.

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Director Statement

My stories are for the children within us all. I believe all our inner children yearn for sweet heart-warming stories and that is what I provide.