Director Iain Gardner discusses the film "A Bear Named Wojtek" and recounts the special opportunity to collaborate with composer Normand Roger for the score.

Aesthetica Short Film Festival is currently online from 8-30 November 2023.
Aesthetica is the destination for independent cinema. They are delighted to be hosting the 13th edition of the festival both in-person in York and online. The live events may be over, but you’ll find a world of incredible films, immersive VR and insightful masterclasses over on their festival platform until 30 November. Discover the best new independent film from across the globe.

The half hour special tells the fantastic journey of an orphaned Syrian brown bear who was adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II, becoming a beacon of hope and an emblem of their fate.

The film has been co-producted by Illuminated Films, Filmograf and Wojtek Animation. Directed by Iain Gardner, produced by Iain Harvey and Wlodzimierz Matuszewski, written by Wojciech Lepianka, music by Normand Roger.
Cast include: Bill Paterson, Richard Gadd, Shauna MacDonald, Michael Golab, Tomek Borkowy, James Sutherland, Piotr Baumann, Remi Rachuba.

To follow the latest on the film:
Instagram:   / abearnamedwojtek