Animated Short Films
Storytelling and music are key components of Burmer animated films.
Yokaitopia, the latest animated short film from Glenna Burmer, tells the story of a boy who unexpectedly crosses over into the supernatural world of Yokai — mysterious Japanese spirits that inhabit all people, objects and places.
In a secluded house, the boy finds broken toys held captive by the snow demon Yuki-Onna. He repairs them and outwits the demon, breaking the spell and freeing the toys. This act of kindness will have lifelong ramifications. The dramatic story is driven by Burmer’s original score, and enhanced by the rich vibrant hues and sophisticated animation provided by Deep Sky Studios.
Watch the trailer below.
Hear Why Glenna Created Yokaitopia
Bippy the Little Robot (2024)
Bippy the Little Robot, Glenna Burmer’s second creation in a multi-award winning collaboration with Deep Sky Studios, takes place in the future when humans are long gone and all that is left behind are their broken and forgotten machines.
Within the ruins of this harsh, bleak landscape lives an irrepressible little robot named Bippy who embodies a zest for life and spreads a message of hope by sharing his love of music.
Watch the trailer below.
Nana korobi, Ya oki (2021)
Burmer’s inaugural film, Nana korobi, Ya oki, tells the story of a young girl in Hokkaido who overcomes seven trials to save an orphan during a snowstorm. The film has garnered attention from U.S. and international film festivals, winning awards for music and animation. Watch the video below.
The film’s title illustrates a well-known Japanese proverb that says: “Seven times you may fall, but get up the eighth.” The film was produced by Glenna Burmer with assistance from artistic director Gaby Breiter of Deep Sky Studios in Portland, Oregon. Original music featuring woodwinds and strings was composed by Burmer and recorded by Dynamedion in Germany.
Using a soft palette and distinctive brush strokes that reflect traditional sumi-e art, Nana korobi, Ya oki is a tribute to Burmer’s mother who was a sumi-e artist.