The Mantis Parable Wins in Hollywood

The Mantis Parable, an animated short by Joshua Staub, received the discovery award for Best Animated Film at the Hollywood Film Festival, proving once again, that indy filmmakers are award-worthy too.

Perhaps one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, The Hollywood Film Festival bestows awards to many red carpet actors and directors. Recipients this year included Diane Keaton, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, Matthew Broderick, and Susan Sarandon, to name a few. And now, Joshua Staub.

Staub says he was overwhelmed by the experience, "I could hardly believe it. It was humbling, really, a surreal experience to be in Hollywood with these established filmmakers at such an impressive event. For one night, I got to share a corner of the spotlight with these wonderful storytellers."

Staub is no stranger to animation or storytelling. By day he works as art and visual design director for Cyan Worlds, creators of Myst, Riven, and many others. By night however, he's his own one-man production studio, creating everything from the storyline, visual effects, and animation to sound

The Mantis Parable is Straub's first film, which he created during an 18-month span for approximately $4500.

Currently, The Mantis Parable is up for consideration for an Academy Award Oscar nomination, and to date the film has received many awards, including Best Animation at the Winnipeg International Film Festival, Best Short Film in the Seattle International Film Festival, and Best Children's Film at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. Perhaps the elusive Oscar will be next.

To learn more about the Mantis Parable visit www.themantisparable.com.

source: cgw