10/06/2026 - Andrea Szelesová’s animated short about alienation in a nursery above the clouds wowed at Anifilm with its warmth and artistry

A Czech-Slovak co-production directed by Andrea Szelesová, Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe! is one of this year's most visually stunning discoveries in the world of animation, playing most recently in Anifilm’s Czech Horizons strand. While this short film – which stood out at prestigious festivals like Berlinale and Tribeca in 2026 – is aimed at a young audience, it carries profound meaning for any adult wishing to connect with the lonely child within who never truly grew up.

The film opens in a fantastic nursery above the clouds, where the children of various mythical creatures and gods play together. Our protagonist, little Yios, who is the child of Apollo, enters this playground with a glowing halo above his head, much like his father’s. However, Yios’ greatest struggle is that, unlike his father, he cannot control his explosive energy, and his rays possess a brightness that irritates those around him. In her director's statement, Szelesová notes that this character is a reflection of her own past, touching upon a universal wound: the discomfort caused by being different.

In the ruthless hierarchy established by the mythical monsters, Yios is ostracised for being too bright. The portrayal of peer bullying through characters like Medusa and Cyclops on a mythological plane sets the film's dark yet honest tone. The story reaches its pivotal turning point when a cruel prank by Medusa causes Yios to fall from the clouds to Earth.

The visually impaired child Yios encounters on Earth becomes the emotional heart of the film. For this little boy, whose life remains unchanged by the transition between day and night, Yios’ annoying and irregular brightness is not a hindrance; on the contrary, it is a source of warm and loving connection. These scenes represent a pinnacle of animated artistry. With ceramic textures, aesthetic lines reminiscent of ancient Greek pottery and a mesmerising colour palette, the film immerses the audience, especially the youngest ones, into a dreamlike state.

The moment the earthly child calms Yios by touching his face is a poignant nod to the compassionate touch every individual living with anxiety in today's world craves. The film’s most vital lesson lies in Yios discovering the true beauty of his own light only through the heart of another. For we can only truly begin to heal once we allow ourselves to be loved.

Andrea Szelesová has crafted a unique masterpiece by blending nostalgia and childhood trauma. While adult viewers will feel their own sense of isolation mirrored in Yios’ loneliness, children will simply enjoy the engaging story and captivating animation style. Ultimately, Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe! is not just a fairy tale about differences; it is a poetic narrative of the search for belonging, the sharp sting of rejection and the self-compassion ultimately found through love. Despite its brief, eleven-minute runtime, this short film leaves a lasting resonance, rightfully earning its place as the brightest highlight of 2026's animated selections.