New Animated Film Launch!
Bringing another saint to the screen 🎥
Why Film?
We know through these animated films, the saints will reach the souls of future saints, inspiring holiness, forming virtue in them and challenging them to live out God’s epic plan for their life. By putting the saints on the screen, we reach the world.
The Story
As evening fell over the vast desert, Joseph feels the weight of exhaustion bearing down upon him. The journey to Egypt had been arduous, the terrain unforgiving. Seeking solace, he quietly steps away from their modest tent, mirroring the moments when Jesus would later withdraw to solitary places to pray, as recorded in the Gospels (Luke 5:16, Mark 1:35). Joseph, who his divine foster Son would one day model, turns his weary heart to God in quiet prayer beneath the star-filled sky.
In this moment of solitude, Joseph's thoughts drift to the words of Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), the powerful hymn she had proclaimed upon hearing the news of her becoming the Mother of the Messiah. Each line echoes profoundly in his soul, reminding him of Mary's humility, trust, and joy in God's promises. He reflects deeply on Mary's chosen role, feeling the weight and honor of their collective calling to raise the Son of God. Joseph knows that like Abraham and the fathers before him, he is chosen by God for a sacred and crucial mission.
Through this contemplative prayer, inspired by Mary's song of praise, Joseph feels a renewed strength and consolation flooding his spirit. His doubts and fatigue fade away. He receives a serene certainty and reminder of his purpose. His faith strengthened, Joseph is now ready to continue the journey and lead his family to wherever God calls them, even to the heart of Egypt.
Who Emulates Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph has influenced storytellers for centuries. We love certain characters portrayed today and choose to use their designs as inspiration for our creation of the Saint Joseph character for our animation.
Star Wars
Background Design: Just like Luke Skywalker in “A New Hope”, Joseph faces the unknown and an invitation to leave his humble home. To get to the new destination, both heroes must cross a vast desert. Inspired by the famous shot of Luke looking at the two suns over Tatooine, Joseph reflects under a full moon about the life he is leaving behind and the adventure that awaits.
Dialogue and Voice Acting: We couldn’t help but notice that the Mandalorian and The Child have often been referenced by pop culture commentators as having a striking resemblance to Saint Joseph and the Christ Child. In our short film, Joseph (like Din Djarin) is a man of few words with a deep tone.
Costume Design: George Lucas was inspired by monks in creating the order of the Jedi. We come full circle in our film, by giving Saint Joseph robes inspired by the Jedi. If you look closely at his belt, you’ll notice he doesn’t wield a lightsaber, but a hammer - alluding to his trade as a carpenter.
Lord of the Rings
Character Design: Tradition has had several interpretations of Saint Joseph’s age. Some believe he was an elderly man when he married Mary, therefore making his perseverance in chastity more explainable. Others believe that old men don’t walk to Egypt, interpreting his age to be more in sync with Our Lady’s. Wanting to honor both views, we based our character design on Aragorn from Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings. Aragorn, being half elf, is an 87 year old man in a 30 year old man’s body. Saint Joseph’s facial features and hair length are a nod to the King of Gondor. Both men were strong, humble, and servant leaders.
Fathers
Dear dads around the world, we see how hard you work and the sacrificial service you provide to your family. This film is a gift to all the dads with dark circles under their eyes. We see you crossing the desert in your daily life for the sake of your family. This film is for you. Thank you.
Price Breakdown
Making an animated film is a journey. It is full of peril, pitfalls, and an ever elusive horizon, not unlike crossing a desert.
As the saying goes, it takes a village. It takes a village to bring an animated film into the world. We are blessed to work with a talented number of people who have been pouring blood, sweat, and tears into this project. Fair payment for time and talent is a high value for our production studio. We are grateful for our ever-growing community of generous donors that makes this all possible. We depend on your support to bring these animations to life.
$4,400 - Pre-production (Script, Character Design, Rigging, Background Artwork, Storyboards)
$9,550 - Production (Voice Acting and Singing, Animation, Sound Effects and Mix, Directing)
$500 - Marketing
$1,650 Kickstarter Fees
$16,100 - Total
Supporting this Animation
By supporting our fundraiser, you become a co‑creator in this beautiful project. Your gift will help us animate a moment in Joseph’s journey: a moment of hardship from his Nazareth workshop to Egypt. Together, we can craft this musical short that inspires the next generation to embrace humility, courage, and trust in God—just as Saint Joseph did.
Pay it Forward
Every donation allows a family to experience the beauty of the Catholic faith through animation. We are so grateful for your support!
🎥 Want to be part of the adventure? Join our Kickstarter and help bring Joseph’s story to life HERE!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/catholicstories/saint-joseph-animation