Winter Warmth

A young boy ventures out into the cold outdoors in search of wood for a fire, finding three animal friends in need of warmth along the way.

Using the magic of stop-motion animation, storytelling techniques and intention of the Steiner/Waldorf tradition, and heartfelt voiceovers by children, very simple models come alive and exude real personality in a warming tale of perseverance and kindness.

  • James Higgins
    Director
  • Vira Higgins
    Writer
  • James Higgins
    Producer
  • Vira Higgins
    Producer
  • Kitsune House
    Producer
  • Ruben Higgins
    Key Cast
    "Boy"
  • James Higgins
    Key Cast
    "Narrator"
  • Luca Higgins
    Key Cast
    "Echidna & Mouse"
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Genres:
    Family Friendly, Children's, Animation, Fairytale, Kids Animation, Steiner/Waldorf Storytelling, Stop-Motion
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 19, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    30 AUD
  • 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
  • Cannes Short Film Festival
    Cannes
    France
    August 16, 2021
    Official Selection
Director Biography - James Higgins

James has been a working musician and recording artist for over two decades, based on the East Coast of Australia. He participated in film making from a young age when his father borrowed a VHS Shoulder-cam, making short action and sci-fi films. Since then James has directed and edited award-winning music videos as well as short films, documentaries, and a long-running talk show. James' passion for animation began with a childhood obsession with Ray Harryhausen's "Clash of the Titans". He is delighted to continue the tradition of family filmmaking with his own sons.

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Director Statement

Kitsune House is the family production team of James and Vira Higgins and their sons Ruben (9) and Luca (5). In school holidays they work together to create animated children’s stories, written, shot and edited all in their home with the resources available on hand. Vira has studied Steiner/Waldorf early education, and experienced the beauty and rhythm of the Waldorf approach first-hand. The Kitsune House mission is to create wholesome and inspiring stories for children (and children at heart), exploring themes of goodness, truth and beauty, as well as celebrating tradition and family.