The breathtaking and poignant short film Little Shrew, written and directed by the visionary artist Kate Bush, will be showcased exclusively in cinemas as a special prelude to the critically acclaimed World War II German resistance drama From Hilde, With Love. This unique cinematic pairing offers audiences a deeply moving experience, blending the imaginative storytelling of Bush’s animated masterpiece with the historical weight and emotional resonance of the feature film.
Kate Bush’s Little Shrew, which earned the prestigious Best Animation award at the New York Short Animation Festival, is a beautifully crafted tale that follows the journey of a tiny, determined shrew navigating a perilous, bombed-out cityscape in search of Hope. This delicate creature, blissfully unaware of the towering dangers surrounding her, traverses a war-torn “Land of the Giants,” where destruction and chaos loom large. In a heart-stopping moment, the shrew is caught in the shockwave of an explosion during a drone attack on the city. Yet, with remarkable resilience, she recovers and presses forward, her unwavering quest for Hope serving as a powerful metaphor for perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity. The film’s evocative visuals and emotional depth have captivated audiences and critics alike, cementing its status as a standout in contemporary animation.
Enhancing the film’s ethereal quality is its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, featuring the song Snowflake from Kate Bush’s critically acclaimed tenth studio album, 50 Words for Snow (2011). The song’s delicate, wintry melodies and introspective lyrics perfectly complement the shrew’s journey, enveloping viewers in a sensory experience that is both tender and profound. Bush’s signature ability to weave music and storytelling shines through, making Little Shrew a testament to her multifaceted artistry.
Screened alongside Little Shrew is From Hilde, With Love, a gripping and heartfelt feature film that tells the true story of Hilde Coppi, a courageous young woman in Nazi-era Berlin. Set in 1942, the film traces Hilde’s transformation from a shy, unassuming individual to a vital member of the German resistance group later known as the “Red Orchestra.” As she falls in love with Hans, Hilde discovers her own strength and conviction, risking everything to oppose the Nazi regime. Directed with sensitivity and precision, the film premiered to widespread critical acclaim at the Berlin Film Festival, where its powerful performances and authentic storytelling resonated deeply with audiences. Distributed by Picturehouse Entertainment, From Hilde, With Love is set to captivate UK and Irish cinema-goers with its unflinching portrayal of bravery, love, and sacrifice during one of history’s darkest chapters.
This extraordinary double bill begins with Little Shrew, which will be shown before every screening of From Hilde, With Love at all Picturehouse cinemas and select independent venues across the UK and Ireland. The general release of this cinematic pairing commences on June 27, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience two stories of hope and resilience—one animated and allegorical, the other rooted in historical truth. Together, these films create a profound and unforgettable cinematic journey, inviting reflection on the enduring human spirit in times of crisis.
Comments are closed.