Mudpuppy
A ten-minute experimental meditation on loss, identity, and nature's silent witness deep in the Ozarks.
Mudpuppy - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mudpuppy
- Directed by: Cole Borgstadt
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 10m
- Original Language: English
- Production Countries: United States of America
Mudpuppy - Plot
A reflection on loss and nature's quiet observance in a small nook of the Ozarks.
Where to Watch Mudpuppy
Looking for where to watch Mudpuppy?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Mudpuppy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Cole Borgstadt
Main Cast
- Barry Clifton
- Leeroy Crossland
- Elijah Crossland
- Range Center
- Cass Phillips
- Lucian Patton
- Jeb Burroughs
- Jordan Giacalone
- Nathan Simowitz
- Daniel Calvin
Producers
- Texas Smith
- Cole Borgstadt
- Jenna Huskisson
Mudpuppy - FAQs
What is Mudpuppy about?
Mudpuppy is a short experimental film set in the Ozarks that meditates on grief, identity, and the quiet rhythms of the natural world. Through dreamlike imagery and a southern gothic sensibility, it follows characters navigating loss alongside the slow, indifferent pulse of river and wilderness.
What does the title Mudpuppy mean in the film?
The mudpuppy is an aquatic salamander native to rivers like those in the Ozarks, and the film uses it as a symbol of transformation and belonging. The tagline — “How much longer till I can be a Mudpuppy?” — suggests a longing to dissolve into nature, to become part of something timeless and unhurried.
What genre is Mudpuppy?
Mudpuppy sits at the intersection of experimental cinema, visual poetry, and southern gothic storytelling. It draws comparisons to meditative films like Koyaanisqatsi and Wings of Desire, prioritizing mood, imagery, and emotional resonance over conventional narrative structure.
Who directed Mudpuppy and what is their style?
Cole Borgstadt directed, edited, and co-produced Mudpuppy. His approach leans into experimental and poetic filmmaking, using the Ozark landscape as both setting and emotional canvas. The film reflects a distinctly rural, introspective sensibility that feels deeply personal and visually considered.
Who are the main cast members in Mudpuppy?
The cast features Barry Clifton as Old Dog, Leeroy Crossland as Mudpuppy, Elijah Crossland as Hunter, Range Center as Tadpole, and Cass Phillips as Young Hunter. Several performers — including Jeb Burroughs, Jordan Giacalone, and others — appear as Spirit Guides throughout the film.
How long is Mudpuppy?
Mudpuppy runs just 10 minutes, making it a short film. That brevity is part of its power — it functions more like a prose poem than a feature, delivering its meditation on loss and nature in a concentrated, immersive burst rather than an extended narrative.
What films are similar to Mudpuppy?
If Mudpuppy resonates with you, explore Koyaanisqatsi (1983) and Baraka (1992) for similarly meditative visual experiences, or Wings of Desire (1987) and The Science of Sleep (2006) for dreamlike, poetic storytelling. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Brazil also share its experimental, introspective spirit.
Where was Mudpuppy filmed?
Mudpuppy was filmed in the Ozarks, the rugged highland region spanning parts of Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The landscape — its rivers, forests, and quiet hollows — is central to the film's identity, functioning almost as a character in its own right rather than mere backdrop.
More About Mudpuppy
Explore further details and databases for Mudpuppy.