animation
Ariel Award-Winning Animated Short ‘SHIMMER’ Makes Its Digital Debut on Short of the Week
Ariel Award-winning animated short SHIMMER by director Andrés Palma premieres on Short of the Week. A stunning exploration of fatherhood and regret created with Unreal Engine 5. Watch now.
Last Updated on December 9, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Ariel Award-Winning Animated Short ‘SHIMMER’ Makes Its Digital Debut on Short of the Week
A haunting tale of fatherhood, obsession, and redemption comes to life through groundbreaking animation technology
The world of independent animation just got a stunning new addition. Director Andrés Palma’s SHIMMER, an Ariel Award-winning animated short film, premiered December 8th on Short of the Week, the premier destination for curated short film content reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
A Father’s Dream, A Daughter’s Pain
Set against a desolate shoreline littered with the skeletal remains of forgotten shipwrecks, SHIMMER tells the emotionally charged story of Ricardo, a father whose single-minded obsession with building a towering lighthouse blinds him to the emotional wreckage he’s creating within his own family. As he chases what he believes will be salvation, his eldest daughter Lucía grows increasingly resentful—until her choices force Ricardo to face the devastating consequences of his dreams.
“Every project that matters to me comes from a place of unresolved emotion,” Palma explains. “Art is how I process pain and transform it into something meaningful. I trust the audience will resonate with that.”
This isn’t just animation—it’s personal healing rendered in light and shadow.
Link to related article: https://stmdailynews.com/gizmodo-premieres-award-winning-animated-short-shimmer/
Technical Brilliance Meets Emotional Depth
Short of the Week’s managing editor Rob Munday didn’t hold back in his praise: “A genuinely compelling, high-quality piece of 3D animation, marked by beautiful design work, strong character rigging, and impressive world-building. There’s tremendous potential here – it’s an exciting calling card for its creators.”
What sets SHIMMER apart technically is its innovative use of Unreal Engine 5, blending retro-futuristic aesthetics with cutting-edge visual design. The film’s most striking visual element—ethereal fish that shimmer across the night sky—was created using the Niagara particle system, merging procedural motion with hand-crafted animation cycles to achieve something that feels both organic and otherworldly.
A Collaborative Vision
Marking Palma’s directorial debut, SHIMMER benefits from powerhouse executive producers including celebrated Mexican animator Jorge R. Gutiérrez (The Book of Life, Maya and the Three) and Andrés Buzo. The film was developed through a groundbreaking collaboration between professionals and students at Mexico City’s Escena Animation Studio, the project-based learning arm of Escena Animation School.
The creative team includes associate producer Karla Vazquez, co-writer Santiago Maza Stern, and composer Alex Otaola—a collective effort that proves the power of mentorship and collaborative storytelling.
Why This Matters for Independent Animation
SHIMMER represents more than just another festival darling. It’s proof that independent creators with vision, backed by the right collaborators and technology, can produce work that rivals major studio productions. The film is currently being considered for FYC (For Your Consideration) in the Best Animated Short Film category—and based on its technical achievement and emotional resonance, it’s easy to see why.
For audiences hungry for animation that dares to explore complex emotional territory while pushing visual boundaries, SHIMMER delivers on both fronts. It’s a meditation on the cost of obsession, the weight of parental expectations, and the possibility of redemption—all wrapped in visuals that haunt long after the credits roll.
Watch Now
SHIMMER is now streaming exclusively on Short of the Week at ShortOfTheWeek.com/2025/12/08/shimmer
For more information about the film and its creators:
- Official Film Website: ShimmerShort.com
- Director’s Website: AndresPalma.com
- Follow the journey: @ShimmerShort, @Andres.Palma.c, @EscuelaEscena
For publicity inquiries, contact Patricia at info@ChicArt.world
PR coordination: Sophia at pr@chicart.world
Website: www.ChicArt.world
Entertainment
Sharpie and Elmer’s Go “To Infinity and Beyond” With a Limited-Edition Toy Story 5 Collection
Sharpie and Elmer’s unveil a limited-edition Toy Story 5 collection—markers, S-Note highlighters, glue sticks, and slime kits—ahead of the film’s June 19 debut.
Sharpie and Elmer’s Launch Limited-Edition Toy Story 5 Collection
If your summer plans include crafts at the kitchen table, labeling school supplies before the first bell, or simply chasing a hit of nostalgia, Sharpie® and Elmer’s® just dropped something that checks every box. Ahead of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 theatrical debut on June 19, 2026, the Newell Brands staples are launching a limited-edition lineup inspired by the film’s iconic characters, colors, and “let’s make something” energy.
The idea is simple: take the everyday tools people already trust—markers, highlighters, glue sticks, and slime kits—and give them a Toy Story glow-up that feels equally giftable and useful. It’s designed for kids discovering the franchise for the first time and adults who grew up with Woody, Buzz, and Jessie.
What’s in the limited-edition collection?
The collection is rolling out nationwide at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Target, timed for peak summer crafting and back-to-school shopping.
The Sharpie side
- Sharpie Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Permanent Markers Collectible packs featuring Toy Story 5character artwork and limited-edition barrel designs with the official film logo printed on each marker. The set leans into bold, film-inspired colors—think Buzz Lightyear greens and purples—built for everything from labeling supplies to character-inspired doodles.
- Sharpie Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 S-Note Creative Highlighters A vivid, high-contrast set with a versatile chisel tip for both highlighting and creative lettering. It’s the kind of tool that makes note-taking feel less like a chore and more like a mini design project.
The Elmer’s side
- Elmer’s Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Glue Sticks The classic disappearing purple formula—teacher-trusted, kid-safe, and now wrapped in Toy Story 5 character designs for a little extra fun in the supply bin.
- Elmer’s Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Slime Kits DIY slime kits with themed glue colors, activators, and “out-of-this-world” textures and scents. Each kit is built to be an all-in-one experience: mix, customize, and take your slime creations “to infinity and beyond.”
Why this collab makes sense (and why it’ll sell)
Sharpie and Elmer’s are already part of the creative routine for a lot of households—school projects, office organization, crafts, and rainy-day activities. Newell Brands’ Kris Malkoski framed the partnership as a way to celebrate creativity in a moment that feels “nostalgic and fresh,” especially as families shift into summer mode and start prepping for the school year.
Disney echoed that creative angle too, with Lylle Breier (EVP, Partnerships Promotions and Special Events) calling Toy Story 5 a celebration of storytelling—and positioning the collection as a way for fans to express their imagination through hands-on making.
A :30 spot ties it into the movie’s marketing push
This isn’t just packaging and product placement. Sharpie and Elmer’s also collaborated with Disney and Pixar on a bespoke 30-second ad showing the collection in use, created to support the film’s theatrical marketing campaign. Translation: expect to see this collaboration show up where Toy Story 5 hype already lives.
Availability and pricing snapshot
The collection will be available in multiple pack sizes for different needs in and out of the classroom:
- Sharpie Toy Story 5 Fine Permanent Markers: 5ct (coming soon to Target.com); 12ct (coming soon to Walmart); 24ct (available now on Amazon) — MSRP: $4.99–$19.99
- Sharpie Toy Story 5 S-Note Highlighters: 12ct, 24ct — MSRP: $9.99–$19.99
- Elmer’s Toy Story 5 Glue Sticks: 4ct, 12ct — MSRP: $3.47–$7.49
- Elmer’s Toy Story 5 Slime Kits: 4pc, 10pc — MSRP: $19.99–$29.99
For shoppers, the timing is the point: the products are positioned as easy add-ons for summer gifting, creative downtime, and back-to-school lists—right before the movie hits theaters.
Quick Toy Story 5 refresher: “Toy meets Tech”
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 brings the gang back with a new twist: “Toy meets Tech.” Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and friends face a new challenge when Bonnie gets Lilypad, a tablet device voiced by Greta Lee, with her own ideas about what playtime should look like.
The film is directed by Andrew Stanton, co-directed by Kenna Harris, produced by Lindsey Collins, and written by Stanton and Harris. Randy Newman returns with an original score—his fifth Toy Story feature.
The takeaway
Whether you’re a parent building a summer activity stash, a teacher restocking for fall, or a longtime fan who wants a small collectible piece of the franchise, the Sharpie and Elmer’s Toy Story 5 collection is built to be both practical and fun. It’s a smart, seasonal collaboration that turns routine supplies into something you’ll actually want to pick up—and maybe even keep.
If you’re shopping, look for the limited-edition collection at Amazon, Walmart, and Target ahead of Toy Story 5’s June 19, 2026 release.
Related Links
- Amazon (search/product landing for the collection): https://www.amazon.com
- Walmart (search/product landing for the collection): https://www.walmart.com
- Target (search/product landing for the collection): https://www.target.com
Brand / official info links
- Newell Brands (company info / press): https://www.newellbrands.com
- Elmer’s official site: https://www.elmers.com
About the Movie
- Disney (official studio hub): https://www.disney.com
- Pixar (official studio hub): https://www.pixar.com
STM Daily News’ Entertainment section delivers the latest on movies, television, music, pop culture, events, and industry buzz. From breaking news and trending stories to feature coverage and community-centered entertainment reporting, it keeps readers connected to what’s happening on screen, on stage, and beyond.
anime
Bible Anime Series in Development at Texas Studio With Global Faith-Based Ambitions
A Texas animation studio is developing a TV-MA Bible anime series, blending faith-based storytelling with cinematic anime for global streaming audiences.
Last Updated on April 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
A Fort Worth animation company is betting that faith-based storytelling and anime can meet in a way that feels cinematic, serious, and built for modern streaming audiences.
History In Motion Studios has announced Shinjitsu Ugoki (Truth Movement), a TV-MA Bible anime series now in development. The Texas-based studio says the project is designed for mature audiences and will present biblical narratives through serialized storytelling, theological research, and character-driven drama.
The announcement places the studio at the intersection of two growing markets: faith-based entertainmentand the global anime industry. Rather than aiming for a traditional family format, the series is being positioned as a more intense, long-form production shaped by conflict, consequence, and spiritual tension.
History In Motion Studios is also using Unreal Engine as part of its production pipeline to support cinematic world-building and high-fidelity environments. Script development, early character design, and broader production planning are underway through 2026.
Founder Edith Alvarado said the studio sees a major opportunity in bringing biblical storytelling into anime.
“As audiences continue to seek meaningful, story-driven content, we believe there is significant opportunity within the anime format to engage biblical narratives with depth and seriousness,” Alvarado said. “The question isn’t whether biblical stories belong in anime, it’s why it took this long. We’re here to change that; Anime will know the story of Jesus.”
The women-led Christian studio operates out of Fort Worth, adding to the growing list of independent creative companies building outside traditional entertainment hubs. As of Q1 2026, the series remains in active development, with more partnership and expansion announcements expected later this year.
Related Links
Source: History In Motion Studios
STM Daily News’ Entertainment section delivers the latest on movies, television, music, pop culture, events, and industry buzz. From breaking news and trending stories to feature coverage and community-centered entertainment reporting, it keeps readers connected to what’s happening on screen, on stage, and beyond.
News Brief
Gizmodo Premieres Award-Winning Animated Short Shimmer
Gizmodo premieres Shimmer, the award-winning animated short film by Andrés Palma. Winner of Mexico’s 2025 Ariel Award, the visually stunning story explores fatherhood, regret, and redemption through cutting-edge animation created in Unreal Engine 5.
Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Los Angeles, CA – November 7, 2025 — Shimmer (also known as Fulgores), winner of Mexico’s 2025 Ariel Award for Best Animated Short Film, has launched its For Your Consideration campaign in the Oscar® race for Best Animated Short.
Directed by Andrés Palma and produced by Escena Animation Studio, the emotionally charged short explores themes of fatherhood, regret, and redemption through a visually stunning story set along a haunting, shipwrecked shore.
Now available for public viewing through an exclusive Gizmodo premiere, Shimmer blends handcrafted artistry with cutting-edge 3D animation created in Unreal Engine 5.
🎥 Watch now: Gizmodo Exclusive – Shimmer
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Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited Voice
