If anything, short films are perfect for our modern, attention span-less minds. Because they (the good ones) fulfill all the necessary storytelling/character requirements and take up less than half an hour of your time. Even better? When they tell kooky stories, like this one about a dead pirate captain who falls in love with the queen of the kingdom of the dead.

Goutte d’Or (‘Drop of Gold’) is a beautiful, atmospheric stop-motion film, written and directed by first-timer (on both fronts) Christope Peladan back in 2013, but only recently made its way online. Using the methodology to infuse the story with mega amounts of atmosphere, the short also features music by French band, Les Primitifes du Futur as a way to circumvent the need for actual dialogue. It’s an adventure, but not all that typical a tale—pirate or otherwise. The dead queen is particularly kooky, be it while she perches, naked, high atop her broomstick, or wearing her live octopus hat.

If you’re keen to see some of the concept art, storyboards, props, puppets, on-set photos and more, check out his site for the film. Its a must-see for anyone who an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes aspect—especially given how seriously ambitious it is to do a stop-motion film as ethereal and atmospheric as this.

What did you think of Goutte d’Or? Would you like to see more films from this animator? A feature, perhaps? Reach out to me on Twitter (@trilbyberesford) with your thoughts, or make a comment in the section below.

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HT: Vimeo/Happy Flyfish
IMAGE: Christophe Peladan/Happy Flyfish