“I Was Able to Tell the Story Exactly as I Envisioned It” — OWL on AI, Fantasy Worlds, and 'The Curse'

The Curse by OWL is a Runner-Up in the Animation Category.

What was the original creative spark behind your film, and why did you choose to tell this story using AI?

OWL: I've always enjoyed blending a somewhat childlike world with dark stories. This is a story that had been brewing in my mind for some time, and the main limitation was being able to tackle it with traditional methods. AI undoubtedly gave me this opportunity, which I wouldn't have been able to achieve otherwise.

How did your role as a filmmaker, artist, or storyteller change during the process of working with AI?

OWL: I come from many years of experience working in 2D and 3D animation. I know that sometimes being able to tell a story depends heavily on the resources and budget. This is a barrier that AI has helped to make more accessible, allowing me to focus on telling the story.

In what aspects did you feel the most control over the work, and in what ways did the technology surprise you?

OWL: During this project, I was able to see firsthand how the tools changed day by day, to the point that some scenes that were initially very difficult to create became possible by the end.

What part of the film is most personal to you?

OWL: Of course, as an animation/fantasy author, I was able to tell the story exactly as I envisioned it. But without a doubt, the most personal part was being able to connect with the personalities of the protagonists. Actually, the girl (redhair) is based on the character and strength of a brother who passed away years ago.

It was like bringing a little bit of him back here.

What does being part of MetaMorph 2026 mean to you at this point in the evolution of AI storytelling?

OWL: I've participated in several competitions (I'm not much of a festival person), but MetaMorph was definitely one of my top choices. Not only because of its professional level but also because of its great international recognition.