MANNEQUIN

A hard-working crash test dummy invests all of his earnings for his son to have a better life, break the pattern of the world they live in and become a store display mannequin.

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This version of the film is a WORK IN PROGRESS.

Animation: in progress
Editing and Compositing: in progress
Sound Design: in progress
Subtitles: in progress
Credits: to be done

COMPLETION DATE: March 15th

  • Babak Shahidi
    Writer
  • George ve Ganaeaard
    Writer
    DISMISSED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TEETH! , AMERICA
  • Horia Cucuta
    Writer
    DISMISSED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TEETH! , AMERICA
  • George ve Ganaeaard
    Director
    DISMISSED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TEETH! , AMERICA
  • Horia Cucuta
    Director
    DISMISSED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TEETH! , AMERICA
  • Ayrton P. Bryan
    Producer
    DISMISSED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TEETH! , AMERICA
  • Horia Cucuta
    Producer
    DISMISSED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TEETH! , AMERICA
  • Horia Manolache
    Producer
  • Emilian Oprea
    Key Cast
    "TUDOR LAZĂR"
    DISMISSED (2024), VLAD (2019), DOGS (2016), DE CE EU? (2015)
  • Patrick Andrei Mihai
    Key Cast
    "IOSIF LAZĂR"
    HOTII DE SUBIECTE (2025)
  • Daniel Popa
    Key Cast
    "CORNEL STOICA"
    DISMISSED (2024), WER (2013), CLOSER TO THE MOON (2013)
  • Dana Marineci
    Key Cast
    "MARIA"
    DISMISSED (2024), COBAIN (2018), TONI ERDMANN (2016)
  • Ionut Grama
    Key Cast
    "ANNOUNCER"
    DISMISSED (2024), BOSS (2023), HAI HUI ÎN TIMP (2022)
  • Andrei Câmpan
    Animation Director
  • Andrei Câmpan
    Character Design
  • Oana Vasile
    Character Design
  • Oana Vasile
    Visual Development
  • Ionuț Anghel
    Visual Development
  • Andrei Câmpan
    Animation
  • Horia Manolache
    Animation
  • Adèle Coulloudon
    Animation
  • Ionuț Anghel
    Animation
  • Oana Vasile
    Animation
  • Horia Manolache
    3D
  • Ionut Anghel
    3D
  • Adèle Coulloudon
    Compositing
  • Horia Manolache
    Compositing
  • Alin Zăbrauteanu
    Sound design and original music
  • mc² film
    Production Company
  • Vana Animation Studio
    Co-Production
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Genres:
    Animation, Drama, Thriller
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 28, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    108,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Romania
  • Country of Filming:
    Romania
  • Language:
    Romanian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • ABIFF - Animation Bucharest International Film Festival
    Bucharest
    September 25, 2021
    Best Screenplay Award
Director Biography - George ve Ganaeaard, Horia Cucuta

🌿 During the last few years, George and Horia have directed five short films, with 120+ festival selections around the world and 19 awards in the United States, Spain, Romania, Greece, Colombia, Iran and Poland.
The animation THANK YOU FOR YOUR TEETH!, was the most succesful to date.

🏆 They have directed their debut feature film in 2024, DISMISSED, which won the Best Feature Film in Romanian Days at the 23rd Transilvania International Film Festival.

🎥 At the moment, they have just started their festival run with their second animated film, MANNEQUIN, and are in production with their third animated film, SISYPHISH.

🔗 George ve Gänæaard: www.imdb.com/name/nm5568925
🔗 Horia Cucută: www.imdb.com/name/nm8364557

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When Babak brought us the story that would become MANNEQUIN, we were immediately captivated by its depth and originality. The narrative resonated deeply with us, and we felt compelled to rewrite and reshape it into an animated film that could reach a broader audience.

MANNEQUIN explores themes of resilience, familial bonds, and the challenges of fairness and opportunity in a competitive world. By placing these human experiences in the symbolic realm of mannequins, we sought to craft a story that feels both universal and unique.

Our goal with MANNEQUIN is to inspire audiences to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of love and ambition, as well as to remind them of the importance of empathy and perseverance in the face of adversity.

We hope MANNEQUIN leaves viewers with a renewed appreciation for the strength of relationships and the power of standing up for what’s right.