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.

Gizmodo Premieres Award-Winning Animated Short Shimmer

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

TORONTO /PRNewswire/ – (TSX: CGX) – Cineplex Digital Media (CDM), a division of Cineplex, announced it has signed a ten-year agreement with the North Carolina Education Lottery to provide a digital signage network solution at retailers across North Carolina. Following a comprehensive process, CDM was chosen given its unique strategic and ecosystem-based approach to digital signage solutions, extensive retail experience and ability to provide industry leading design, content strategy and data expertise. CDM’s solution includes digital menu boards inside more than 1,500 select lottery retail partner locations and claim centers across North Carolina, with an opportunity to expand locations throughout its long-term partnership. With flexible marketing and messaging options, this new program will enhance the player experience and the North Carolina Education Lottery’s commitment to supporting retail partner success. CDM’s unique approach and end-to-end solution will ensure the lottery can tailor messages to playing audiences while measuring and optimizing its impact and return for education in North Carolina. “We constantly look for innovative ways to connect with our players,” said Terri Rose, Chief Brand Officer, North Carolina Education Lottery. “The agreement with Cineplex Digital Media provides us with a digital platform to reach that audience with messaging tailored specifically to them. That is a major investment in our retail partners that should help us raise more money for the good cause we serve”. “We are honoured to be chosen as the North Carolina Education Lottery’s exclusive digital signage partner and look forward to working with them to provide solutions to support its education fundraising and elevate player experience,” said Fab Stanghieri, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, CDM. “With our experience in the lottery market and our strategic partnership network, we are excited to work together to deploy a specialized and data optimized retail digital solution to keep retailer and player experience top-of-mind”. As a one-stop digital signage solution provider, Cineplex Digital Media offers end-to-end services that drive results. As a leader in Digital Out-of-Home, Retail, Financial, Grocery and Quick Service Restaurant industries, CDM provides innovative, data-led digital signage solutions for clients, including the North Carolina Education Lottery. CDM is known for its creative and experience design expertise, data and analytics services, operational excellence and media sales. For more information on Cineplex Digital Media, visit CDMExperiences.com. About Cineplex Cineplex (TSX:CGX) is a top-tier Canadian brand that operates in the Film Entertainment and Content, Amusement and Leisure, and Media sectors. Cineplex offers a unique escape from the everyday to millions of guests through its circuit of 172 movie theatres and location-based entertainment venues. In addition to being Canada’s largest and most innovative film exhibitor, the company operates Canada’s favourite destination for ‘Eats & Entertainment’ (The Rec Room), complexes specially designed for teens and families (Playdium), and an entertainment concept that brings movies, amusement gaming, dining, and live performances together under one roof (Cineplex Junxion). It also operates successful businesses in cinema media (Cineplex Media), digital place-based media (Cineplex Digital Media or CDM), alternative programming (Cineplex Events) and motion picture distribution (Cineplex Pictures). Providing even more value for its guests, Cineplex is a partner in Scene+, Canada’s largest entertainment and lifestyle loyalty program. Proudly recognized as having one of the country’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Cineplex employs over 10,000 people in its offices and venues across Canada. To learn more, visit Cineplex.com. About North Carolina Education Lottery The North Carolina Education Lottery raises more than $1 billion a year for public education programs in N.C. In fiscal year 2024, the lottery recorded more than $5.3 billion in sales. Tickets are sold at more than 7,100 retail locations in North Carolina. SOURCE Cineplex