2026, Canada, 12 minutes, 2D Animation / Rotoscope

Written and directed by Anthony Kit Chun Lee

Frankie, an envious but mediocre musician, is asked by his talented rival Alex to look after his home. In the process, Frankie accidentally loses Alex’s prized parrot, Stronzo. When Stronzo mysteriously returns, Frankie sees a chance to redeem himself—by impressing the bird with his musical talent. But the more he tries to control and outshine Stronzo, the more he reveals his own flaws, until Stronzo’s final escape leaves Frankie alone, confronting the applause he craves but cannot earn.