Liyoki (2020)

A moving 3D animated short from ESMA, following a silverback gorilla whose family is torn apart by poachers.

Liyoki - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Liyoki
  • Release Year: 2020
  • Directed by: Sarah Munos, Arthur Lefebvre et al.
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Adventure, Drama, Animation
  • Runtime: 6m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: No Language
  • Release Date (Theatrical): September 14, 2020 (France)
  • Production Companies: ESMA
  • Production Countries: France

Liyoki - Plot

Liyoki, a silverback gorilla, lives peacefully with his family, when they are attacked by poachers.

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Liyoki - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Sarah Munos
  • Arthur Lefebvre
  • Francesca McCall
  • Jérémy Livingston
  • Aurélie Tapponnier
  • Thibault Cambresy
  • Armel Boutillon

Liyoki - FAQs

What is Liyoki about?

Liyoki follows a silverback gorilla living peacefully in the wild with his family, until their lives are violently disrupted by poachers. The short film explores themes of family bonds, loss, and survival, delivering an emotionally resonant story through striking 3D animation produced by students at ESMA.

Is Liyoki based on a true story?

Liyoki is not based on a specific true story, but it draws on the very real and ongoing threat of poaching faced by gorilla populations in the wild. The film uses this pressing conservation issue as the emotional and narrative foundation for its story of family and loss.

Who directed the animated short film Liyoki?

Liyoki was directed by a team of seven filmmakers: Sarah Munos, Arthur Lefebvre, Francesca McCall, Jérémy Livingston, Aurélie Tapponnier, Thibault Cambresy, and Armel Boutillon. The film was produced as a graduation project at ESMA, a prestigious French animation school.

What genre is Liyoki?

Liyoki is an animated short film spanning the Adventure, Drama, and Animation genres. It combines the visual craft of 3D animation with a deeply emotional dramatic narrative, making it accessible to a broad audience while carrying a meaningful message about wildlife and human impact on nature.

How long is the short film Liyoki?

Liyoki has a runtime of approximately 6 minutes, making it a concise but emotionally impactful short film. Despite its brief length, it delivers a complete and moving narrative arc centered on a gorilla family facing the devastating consequences of poaching.

When was Liyoki released?

Liyoki was released on September 14, 2020, in France. It later received a wider international release date of December 11, 2021. The film was produced by ESMA, a well-regarded French animation school known for producing high-quality student graduation films.

What themes does Liyoki explore?

Liyoki explores themes of family, loss, vengeance, and the devastating impact of poaching on wildlife. Through the eyes of a silverback gorilla, the film humanizes the plight of endangered animals and invites viewers to reflect on humanity's responsibility toward the natural world.

What are movies similar to Liyoki?

Viewers who enjoyed Liyoki may also appreciate Madagascar (2005) and Meet the Robinsons (2007) for their animated storytelling, or Planet of the Apes (1968) for its primate-centered narrative. Other thematically related titles include The Good Shepherd (2006) and various animated short films exploring family and nature.

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