Sprout
From the Archives
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Animation, Short Films, 18-Feb-2026
After an agoraphobic scientist accidentally creates a baby-like plant creature, their connection threatens to upend his reclusive way of life. In “Sprout,” Leah Dubuc explores fear and friendship through illustrative animation. From retrieving his mail to shooing away girl scouts, the reclusive man watches the world from behind the gates and mechanisms of his home. One afternoon, there’s an accident, and a jar of seeds miraculously spore. Before he knows it, the scientist must care for his own, rapidly-growing little-one. The outside world—anxiety inducing for our scientist—is nothing but intriguing to the Sprout and its desire to observe it up-close. The film is without dialogue and low-key in its sound design, revealing a quiet tenderness. -JM. Writer, Director, Animator: Leah Dubuc. Composer: Wyatt Baer. Sound Design: Jesse Springer. Cast: Christian Cerezo, Leah Dubuc.
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