Aaron Blaise’s Snow Bear: Hand-Drawn Indie Masterpiece Premieres at HollyShorts

Three Key Takeaways

Personal and Profound Storytelling: Aaron Blaise's Snow Bear is a deeply personal narrative inspired by his own experiences of loneliness and loss, alongside his awe for the natural world.
Independent Filmmaking Power: By streaming the production process live, Aaron engaged a global audience, showcasing the strength of transparency in indie filmmaking.
Hand-Drawn Animation Magic: The film is a testament to the artistry of hand-drawn animation, crafted over three years by Aaron Blaise himself, echoing traditional animation methods with modern tools.

Aaron Blaise is a director and animator whose latest project, Snow Bear, is set to screen at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival. Known for his work on Disney classics like The Lion King and Brother Bear, Aaron returns to his roots with this independently produced 2D hand-drawn short film.

Collaborating with producer Nicholas Burch and composers Mak Mancina and Marlon E. Espino, Aaron has crafted a story rich with emotional depth and environmental themes.

What drew you to make "Snow Bear"? Why this story, and why now?

I spent over three years bringing Snow Bear to life in my personal studio, working on every aspect of the film’s creation—entirely on my own. This project marks a return to my roots as an artist and storyteller, reminiscent of my days animating on The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, as well as directing Disney’s Brother Bear. In Snow Bear, I wanted to capture something deeply personal. It's largely a response to the overwhelming loneliness and loss I felt after my wife passed away. It's also inspired by my lifelong awe for the natural world and the emotional depth that only hand-drawn animation can convey.

What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time?

I set out to tell an emotional story, not necessarily an environmental one, but as I began to show the boards to people I trusted, that aspect of the film emerged, and we decided it might be an opportunity to do some good!

Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you?

Certainly, the emotional climax when the snow bear melts. This was deeply inspired by the feelings I experienced watching my wife battle her illness. But then I was blessed to find love again and a sense of hope. All the visuals you see on screen were animated by my hand, making this film feel authentically me.

"More than anything, I want viewers to leave this short film having felt a range of emotions from laughter to reflection."

What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?

Getting the right tone with the end of the film. I boarded and re-edited it many times.

What do you hope audiences take away from your film?

I hope they experience a full gamut of emotions—laugh, cry, and ultimately walk away feeling a sense of joy, beauty, and wonder. I also hope they're inspired to learn more about the natural world.

How has this film shaped the stories you want to tell next?

This has directly inspired a feature film I am developing, hoping it will be without dialogue and entirely hand-drawn, like Snow Bear.

What tools and techniques were essential during production?

I could not have made this film without my Wacom Cintiq drawing display or the TVPaint animation software. Without these, it would have taken much longer.

"Knowing we don't have the 'deep pockets' of a studio film, it was our goal from day one to SHARE as much as possible about making this film."

What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?

It is truly an honor to show at HollyShorts! The films we're alongside are an incredible selection of independent cinema, and we are proud to be among them.

How do you hope being part of HollyShorts will shape the life of this film?

I hope audiences discuss it with their peers and help spread the word. HollyShorts will play a crucial role in helping people see the film, which I am most excited about as a director.