Private Project

Len Zuks: Living Art

Len Zuks: Living Art brings the whimsical sculptures of acclaimed artist Len Zuks vividly to life, as mythic creatures and playful figures awaken beside their creator. As Len reflects on the inspirations behind his work, the discarded steel and rubber of everyday life transform into moving expressions of imagination and personality. Blending documentary presence with surreal visual invention, the film is a light-hearted celebration of creativity, transformation, and the enduring spirit within art.

  • James Hyams
    Director
  • Len Zuks
    Writer
  • James Hyams
    Writer
  • Jay Jay Jegathesan
    Writer
  • Jay Jay Jegathesan
    Producer
  • Len Zuks
    Key Cast
  • Colleen Rankin
    Key Cast
  • Jay Jay Jegathesan
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 13, 2026
  • Production Budget:
    200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - James Hyams

James Hyams is a multifaceted filmmaker with tertiary education and contemporary professional experience in journalism, documentary, and live sports broadcast.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Len Zuks: Living Art was conceived as an exploration of movement, imagination, and the hidden personality within sculpture. The film uses emerging AI tools to create the illusion that Len Zuks’ whimsical creations briefly awaken beside their maker, allowing discarded steel and rubber to transform into playful living forms. Rather than using technology to replace artists or filmmakers, the intention was to experiment with how these new tools might be integrated into a creative process that remains grounded in human authorship, artistic direction, and documentary storytelling traditions.

Throughout the project, the focus remained on preserving the hallmarks of conventional filmmaking practice: collaboration, authenticity, and respect for the artist’s original work. Every animated moment originates from Len’s sculptures, his creative vision, and the filmmakers’ interpretation of his world. AI here is simply another cinematic tool used to help visualise the spirit already present within the artwork, while exploring how emerging technologies might coexist ethically alongside established film and documentary practice.