The Fircle of Life

When a magical Christmas comet reverses the Earth, trees and humans swap places, while the family dog, Cozmo, attempts to save the day.

  • Aria Pullman
    Director
    Jersey Boys, Rescue Me, From Embers, Once upon a Time
  • Aria Pullman
    Writer
    Hacks, The Good Doctor, Lucy in the Sky
  • Chris Archibald
    Writer
    Tires
  • Joshua Ostrander
    Writer
    Hacks, Animal Kingdom, Better Things
  • Aria Pullman
    Producer
  • Craig Boydston
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    7,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Super 8 mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Straight 8 Film Festival 2025
    London
    United Kingdom
    May 25, 2024
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • London Short Film Festival 2025
    London
    United Kingdom
    January 23, 2025
    Industry Event
    Official Selection
  • Hollywood Gold Awards
    Los Angeles
    United States
    November 5, 2024
    Official Selection
  • 8 & Halfilm Awards
    San Diego, CA
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Barcelona Indie Awards
    Barcelona
    Spain
    February 14, 2025
    exclusive event
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Aria Pullman

Aria's acting skills have garnered her a devoted fanbase in the Sci-Fi genre. She has notable roles in Lucifer, Once Upon a Time, Deadly B n B, Rescue Me, and Jersey Boys. Her versatility extends across various genres, showcasing her range as an actress.

In addition to her acting, Aria has demonstrated her songwriting talents, featuring her compositions on popular shows such as Hacks, The Jimmy Kimmel Show, Shameless, Animal Kingdom, and Lucy in the Sky. Notably, she co-wrote a #1 song on Billboard's AAA Radio chart.

Pullman collaborated with fellow comedic actress Alexandra Holden to create the web series The Out Of Luck Show. It earned accolades at the Austin Spotlight Film Festival and the Atlanta Comedy Film Fest, winning Best Comedy Short and Best Female Director.

Aria made her directorial debut with The Fircle of Life, an Official Selection at the Straight 8 Film Festival. The film premiered at the British Film Institute's IMAX theater in London in May 2024.

Most recently, Aria attended The Acting Studio New York's Summer Theater Conservatory and studied with theater founder James Price, who studied directly under Sanford Meisner.
Aria landed the role of Susana in the Indie Drama From Embers, playing opposite Mathew Morrison (Glee).

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I directed this film, 'The Fircle of Life,' because the story had nagged my brain since its conception in the late 1990s when I lived in NYC. Tree farms are erected every holiday season, and people joyfully decorate their Christmas trees. It's a festive time. Then, come January 2nd, the trees are tossed on the streets and into the gutters! It is unfortunate and ironic, and I thought, "This practice isn't environmentally sustainable! How can I tell that story? What if trees and humans swapped places?" That's where the general foundation was born.

I was inspired by Wes Anderson's and Dr. Suess's early work in creating this film. I love the colors they use, their rhyme schemes, and I wanted to emulate my interpretation of similar magic. I am very proud of the world we made, and I hope the spirit of the message behind the story is thought of and pondered every Christmas.

Some of the challenges of making this film were monumental. The camera we used was a Super8 and we shot the film using only ONE canister of SUPER 8 MM film, meaning there were no edits. You get one shot for every take. We were working with an animal, which added to the drama.

We shot this film three times, and each time, something went wrong. I firmly believe these cameras are haunted. The saddest obstacle: Cozmo, my dog and film star, died. I was devastated. So, after taking some time to heal, I cast Brando, who has a remarkable story, too! He was a research lab dog. My friend rescued him after they removed his bark and tattooed his ear; the poor thing had never even felt grass! He did a stellar job.

I loved everything about this project. I love that it was my dog's last hurrah. I love how painstakingly tedious it was. I love the sets. I love the humans who contributed. I love the feel of a Super 8 camera when it clicks into motion. I love the whirring sound the film makes. I love the grainy look and vintage feel. I love that I've cut my teeth with this project. I've never felt so alive! It was magical when the crew pulled it all together, overcoming these challenges with sheer determination and creativity.

It was a joyous and thrilling experience that I will always cherish. I hope that people think about my film every Christmas, and plant a tree instead.