Unicorn Boy
Matt Kiel
United States, 2023, 90 min.
In English.
This film is family friendly.
AIFF Award Winner:
Festival Grand Prize
Unicorn Boy is a young adult, coming-of-age animated feature which explores the complexity of first heartbreak and gender identity, created and animated entirely by the imaginative Matt Kiel. The story follows Matty, a down-on-their-luck artist, distraught by a recent breakup, who is magically sucked into a unicorn-run alternate dimension. Now, Matty must work with their new unicorn friends to conquer a dark force, bringing peace to their kingdom and emotional stability to their bleak Silver Lake life. This auteur-driven portrait of one’s former self is a beautiful reflection of the challenges that come along with growth and self-discovery.
Director's Statement
Unicorn Boy is a passion project 10 years in the making. A decade ago I moved to Los Angeles, alone, confused, and seriously suffering from OCD & depression. I knew I wanted this life, but I also knew the traditional paths weren’t for me. I have never fit neatly into a box. So, I began my journey, without a roadmap, grounding or destination. This film was a battle of will. I gave it every ounce of my energy and faith. It is at the same time where I’ve been, where I am and where I’m going. Even in writing this, I find new revelations about my journey. Looking back, I have so much more insight into what I was truly creating and experiencing, when at the time I simply knew it was what I had to do to survive.
Category: Animation, Award Winner.
Themes: Identity, Friendship.
Sunday, April 30
Festival Grounds at the Mercado Annex
7:30pm
Filmmaker in Attendance

More in Animation
-
Night
Ahmad Saleh
Germany, 2021, 16 min.The dust of war keeps the eyes sleepless. Night brings peace and sleep to all the people in the broken town. Only the eyes of the mother of the missing child... more ›
-
Up in Smoke
Ernie Berger
United States, 2022, 5 min.A zany character experiences his first day in a new job operating a mobile crematorium. A fool with fire. What could go wrong?... more ›
-
Moirai, Thread of Life
Ina Conradi
Singapore, 2023, 6 min.A female astronaut is drawn to a mysterious force in a cave, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and connection with the universe. The film reinterprets... more ›