Michael Winter’s Life Eternal

The art of storytelling meets hand-drawn animation in Life Eternal, the directorial debut of British filmmaker Michael Winter. Premiering in Utah, the visually stunning short film is a poignant exploration of grief, love, and the enduring power of memory. Starring Ashley Bell (The Last Exorcism) and Griffin Puatu (Beastars), Life Eternal immerses audiences in Isaac’s emotional journey as he comes to terms with the untimely death of his girlfriend.

“I wanted to explore themes of loss and love because they’re so universal, yet often depicted as solely sorrowful,” Winter explains. “With Life Eternal, I aimed for a bittersweet twist, showing how love can preserve and carry us forward.”

The film’s hand-drawn watercolor animation, resembling a painting brought to life, plays a critical role in its emotional impact. Winter says the choice was deliberate. “We chose this style because it resonates with our adult audience and complements the story’s pacing. Since time is such a central theme, we made sure the animation, music, and narrative flowed seamlessly, creating the sense of time passing,” he says, crediting his animation team for their synchronized vision.

Bell and Puatu deliver performances that bring the hand drawn characters to life. Winter recalls “This was my first animated project, so I wanted experienced voice actors who could navigate any challenges we faced. Ashley and Griffin are true professionals. They added unique nuances to the characters, which enhanced their believability and depth.”

The film’s emotional resonance is amplified by its score, composed by Sarah Mac and Marc Hoad. “My vision was to have one flowing piece of music that mirrored the animation,” Winter says. “They took that idea and created a strong, bittersweet soundtrack. The piano perfectly conveys Isaac’s highs and lows, tying the whole project together.”

The 18-month production of Life Eternal was a stark departure from Winter’s university days, where projects were limited to three months. “Having a longer timeline allowed me to refine the script and assemble an incredible team,” he notes. “The biggest lesson I learned was to embrace collaboration. A film improves when you integrate ideas from all departments.”

Despite its brief runtime, Life Eternal strikes a deep emotional chord. Winter credits the use of flashbacks for building character relatability. “We didn’t want flashbacks to feel like exposition. Instead, they became integral to fleshing out Isaac’s story and building empathy while keeping the narrative moving forward.”

The film’s pacing, another highlight, was carefully calibrated. “Short films often fall into the trap of having lulls because of their brevity,” Winter explains. “We ensured the story was evenly spread across the six minutes to keep viewers engaged, with no filler content.”

For Winter, debuting Life Eternal in front of an audience is a moment of pride and anticipation. “I’m very excited for people to see the film in Utah. My hope is that it raises questions and encourages viewers to think about loss through a different lens,” he says.

With its heartfelt storytelling, exquisite visuals, and universal themes, Life Eternal is a deeply moving experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Life Eternal is playing at the Utah International Film Festival and tickets are available HERE.