Christopher & the Bug

2025 ARFF Paris Best Film Score & Sound Design.png

NWF 2025 - Official Selection 2000x2000-Black.png

Christopher and the Bug is a heartwarming short film about a reclusive owl whose peaceful solitude is disrupted when a tiny bug unknowingly moves into his home. Determined to get rid of the uninvited guest, the owl embarks on a series of comical yet misguided attempts to reclaim his space. However, as their paths intertwine, he discovers the transformative power of friendship, empathy, and inclusion. This charming tale, designed to resonate with audiences of all ages, reminds us to embrace differences and find connection in unexpected places.

THE STORY

A short animated film from Canada that explores the transformative power of friendship and acceptance.

TRAILER

CREDITS

BLOG

Christopher & the Bug is thrilled to be Official Selection at the 2025 RIFFA

RIFFA

NOMINEE for Best Animated Short

CREDITS

CREDITS

CREDITS

CREDITS

THE NARRATOR

The film is dialogue free save for a narration that pulls the audience through Christopher's journey. The voice of the narrator is played by the amazing Benedict Campbell whose storybook read will immerse you in this classic tale.

Benedict Campbell has been a professional actor for 49 years and counting. He has performed in theatres across Canada, as well as performing in the UK and USA. He has acted in 20 of Shakespeare’s plays, in 32 different productions, including playing “King Lear” in a coproduction with Theatre Calgary and Bard on the Beach in Vancouver. In his 11 seasons at the Stratford Festival he played many leading roles including “Oedipus Rex” and 15 seasons at the Shaw Festival, where his many varied leading roles were in productions such as “Sweeney Todd”, “The Crucible”, “My Fair Lady”, “Mack and Mabel”, “The Entertainer” and “Major Barbara”. Apart from his work in film and television he has worked extensively voicing parts in animation, including the “Berenstain Bears”, “Donkey Kong Country”, “Red Ketchup”, “Noddy”, “Jane and the Dragon” and “Highlander” and many many more.

Meet the Production Team

Christopher & the Bug was made by a small but mighty group of storytellers, each bringing the magic of their discipline to the project to help bring the tale to life.

Writer / Director / Producer

Vanessa Esteves

Vanessa is an accomplished writer, director, executive producer, and content creator and has creatively overseen a wide range of projects across all genres. Recently, she co-created and acted as showrunner for the animated series Super Wish and co-directed the short film Christopher & the Bug. Her leadership and creative vision have helped shape numerous successful children’s programs in the world of animation and family entertainment.

Director / Co-Producer / Design

Kevin Micallef

With over 30 years in the industry, Kevin Micallef has directed a variety of award-winning projects across different genres, from preschool to teen series. He has also held the position of Creative Director and contributed to major animated films as an animator for studios like Disney, Sony, and Warner Bros. Most recently Kevin has directed the series Piñata Smashlings while also co-directing the short film Christopher and the Bug.

Producer

Lydia Ferreira

Lydia Ferreira is a talented Animated Series Producer with over 20 years of expertise. Lydia has produced a range of acclaimed series and productions including Hotel Transylvania: The Series, Ranger Rob and Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe. Lydia has extensive knowledge of both 2D and CG pipelines and enjoys collaborating with talented teams to create content that entertains, educates, and inspires young audiences.

Technical Director / Co-Producer

Scott Williamson

Scott brings a unique blend of creative and technical expertise to every project. His career spans a wide range of roles—including 3D Layout Artist, Storyboard Artist, Director, and Production Technology Director—contributing to numerous acclaimed and award-winning productions.

Animator

Samantha VanRootselaar

Samantha VanRootselaar has dedicated the past five years to the animation industry as a 2D animator, contributing her skills to a diverse array of series. She seamlessly blends her passion for character development and artistic expression to bring stories to life through the art of motion. Samantha holds the sole credit for animation on Christopher & the Bug and has just wrapped animation on the 2D comedy series Piñata Smashlings for YTV & ITV

Art Director / Co-Producer

Don Gauthier

Don Gauthier is an accomplished Art Director known for his innovative visual storytelling and meticulous attention to detail. With over two decades of experience in film, television, and animation, he brings a distinctive creative vision to every project, shaping compelling worlds that captivate audiences.

Meet the Team

Our Talented Crew

Get to know the creative minds behind the magic of Christopher & the Bug. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and passion to the project, ensuring a captivating animated film experience for all audiences.

LAYOUT

SASA RADOSAVCEVIC

Sasa Radosavcevic is an accomplished animation and location design professional with over two decades of experience in the industry working with some of Canada’s leading studios, including Yowza Animation, 9 Story Media Group, Arc Productions, ToonBox Entertainment, and Elliott Animation.

LAYOUT

PETER SONG

Peter Song is a layout artist in animation with a passion for cinematic storytelling and visual world-building. He is especially drawn to projects that explore the balance between light and dark—both visually and thematically. Outside the studio, Peter practices Tae Kwon Do, yoga, and pilates, and enjoys gardening and studying the global economy and stock market.