"I Knew Superman"

The real hero's of this world are the ones we often forget about. Based on a true story "I Knew Superman" is a message about family and a story about an American college student named Otto that we lost and should never, ever forget.

  • Dana Crypto
    Director
  • Dana Crypto
    Writer
  • Dana Crypto
    Producer
  • A man named Otto
    Key Cast
  • Brian Maes
    Music and Lyrics
  • Matias Alejandro Cabrera
    Head of Animation
  • Dana Crypto and Matias Alejandro Cabrera
    Sound Engineering
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Genres:
    Animation
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 12, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Argentina
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Top Shorts Film Festival
    Online Event
    United States
    May 29, 2021
    Award Winner - Best Animation, Film of the month Honorable Mention
  • Halicarnassus Film Festival
    Bodrum
    Turkey
    May 18, 2021
    Turkish Premiere
    Award Winner - Best Animated Short
  • Independent Shorts
    Online Event
    United States
    May 29, 2021
    Honorable Mention - Best Animated Film
  • Venice Shorts
    Venice Beach
    United States
    June 1, 2021
    Online Premiere
    Award Winner - Best First Time Film Maker
  • Vancouver Independent Film Festival
    Vancouver
    Canada
    June 18, 2021
    Canadian Premiere
    Finalist
  • American Golden Picture International Film Festival
    Jacksonville, Fl
    United States
    June 1, 2021
    Florida Premiere
    Award Winner - Best First Time Film Director
  • Golden Sparrow International Film Festival
    Sirkali, Tamil Nadu
    India
    July 5, 2021
    India Premiere
    Best Animated Short - Best Original Music Score
  • Brussels Capital Film Festival
    Brussels
    Belgium
    June 11, 2021
    Best Animation - Best Original Score
  • Dreamers Short Film Festival
    Bucharest
    Romania
    June 18, 2021
    Romanian Premiere
    Best Animated Short
  • Hollywood Gold Awards
    Los Angeles
    United States
    June 6, 2021
    Best Original Story / Best Original Score
  • Stockholm City Film Festival
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    July 6, 2021
    Finalist - Best Animated Film
  • Calcutta International Film Festival
    Calcutta
    India
    August 16, 2021
    Award Winner - Best Animated Film
  • Sweden Film Awards
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    June 2, 2021
    Finalist
  • Gothamite monthly film awards
    New York City
    United States
    August 31, 2021
    Best Animated Film
  • Black Swan International Film Festival
    Bucharest
    Romania
    September 1, 2021
    Best Animated Short
  • IndieFEST Film Awards
    Los Angeles
    United States
    August 3, 2021
    Best animated short
  • NAACP Image Awards
    Los Angeles
    March 15, 2023
    Nominee Best Short Form (animated)
Distribution Information
  • Houghtonville Animation
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Dana Crypto

Dana "Mr. Crypto" is a pioneer in the genre of Edutainment, combining entertainment with education. The concept of getting a point across in a profound, fun and memoriable way is a lifetime passion of Mr. Crypto. Writing, producing, directing and hosting The Dana Crypto Show allowed him to gleen his skills. With 150 plus episodes and counting the show is the first and longest running weekly FM radio Show on Bitcoin and common sense in America.

The show can now be heard on Spotify, IHeart, Sound Cloud ,Apple or wherever you listen to Podcasts. The Dana Crypto Show features stories, bits, spoofs, and info on Bitcoin in a fun and unique way. This film was born out a regular feature on the show, The continuing misadventures of Katie Crypto and her Papa. Each week Katie and her Papa seek new adventures and ways to bring the message of the human condition to the world. "I Knew Superman" his first animated short film and a new concept brought to film making being designed to make you smile while bringing clarity to events in the news and pop culture. Digital Cinema Package available upon request.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I am excited to bring this story to life, thru the art of animation. The story is built around the music and lyrics of nationally known composer and musician Brian Maes. This film was screened at select test market Film Festivals under the working title "Welcome Home" across the globe in 2021. It won several film festivals for Best Animation, Best Screenplay and Best Original Score. That version was never released to the general public. "I Knew Superman" with added scenes and effects will be released in the summer of 2022. I am proud to present the final version of this film and the message that it contains. I hope this story touches your heart but more importantly that it causes you to think about things and people that matter. For the true meaning and message of this film, please watch past the ending credits. I hope you enjoy watching "I Knew Superman" as much as I enjoyed making it.