An Independent Short Film, Hand Drawn by Aaron Blaise
The Film:
Log Line
When a lonely polar bear can’t find a friend… he makes one.
Synopsis
Set in a rapidly changing world, Snow Bear tells the story of a lonely polar bear in an unforgiving environment on his quest to find a friend.
Created entirely by Oscar-nominated animator Aaron Blaise over three years, the film features stunning hand-drawn animation that captures both the humor and poignancy of its central character’s quest for connection. Balancing moments of laughter and heartfelt emotion, this short film pays tribute to the timeless art of traditional animation while offering a gentle reminder of the bonds that unite us all.
Technical Details:
- Production Completed: November 2024
- Country of Origin: USA
- Runtime: 11:26
- Language: No Dialogue
- Aspect Ratio: 16×9
- Resolution: 4K
- Frame Rate: 24FPS
- Formats: DCP, MOV (ProRes), MP4
- Sound: 5.1 Surrond
- Drawing Count: 12,000+
Watch Trailer:
Behind the Scenes:
About The Filmmaker:
Aaron Blaise
Creator, Director& Animator.
For 21 years Aaron was with Walt Disney Feature Animation where he helped to create some of the greatest animated films ever made. During that time he worked as an animator or supervising animator on The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas and Mulan.
In 2003 he was director of Brother Bear for which he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film.
After Brother Bear he helped to develop several projects but ultimately left Disney to pursue an opportunity back home in Florida. Aaron also served as a 2D Animation Supervisor and Character Designer for the The Bear and the Hare an advertisement loved by millions around the world.
He was recently named as the 2025 recipient of the Winsor McCay Lifetime Achievement Award in animation by ASIFA-Hollywood and was presented the award at the 2025 Annie Awards.
In 2013 Aaron and his business partner, Nick Burch founded one of the worlds top online art schools, CreatureArtTeacher.com
Director’s Statement
I spent over three years bringing Snow Bear to life in my personal studio, working on every aspect of the film’s creation – from storyboards to final animation… entirely on my own. This project marks a return to my roots as an artist and storyteller, reminiscent of my days animating on The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, as well as directing Disney’s Brother Bear. In Snow Bear, I wanted to capture something deeply personal: a sense of awe for the natural world, paired with the emotional depth that only hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animation can convey.
The film was inspired by the resilience of our planet’s polar regions, and I’m honored that both Polar Bears International and the National Parks Conservation Association have chosen to stand behind it. Their missions underscore the very themes I hoped to illustrate: the fragility of our environment, and the importance of protecting it for the generations yet to come.
More than anything, I want viewers to leave this short film having felt a range of emotions from laughter at a lonely polar bear’s resourcefulness to reflection on how we, too, can find hope in the most challenging of circumstances. Ultimately, I believe that if Snow Bear can make audiences pause, reflect, and feel even a spark of wonder, then I’ve succeeded in my goal of bringing a little more beauty to our world.
The Music:
Mark Mancina
Composer
Snow Bear features an original score by Grammy-winning composer Mark Mancina, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on The Lion King and a roster of iconic films including Moana, Speed, Twister, Tarzan, and Brother Bear.
A multi-instrumentalist with a gift for spanning genres, Mancina has collaborated with music legends such as Elton John, Phil Collins, and Seal. Drawing on his diverse background and passion for storytelling, he brings an emotional depth to Snow Bear that enriches the film’s heartwarming journey.
Marlon E. Espino
Composer
A multifaceted storyteller whose compositions are as strikingly diverse as his singular artistic voice, Marlon E. Espino has scored films spanning action, adventure, comedy, drama, and suspense. His credits include work on titles such as Moana, Mona 2, The Lego Batman Movie, and The Sea Beast.
Renowned for his ability to craft immersive, emotionally rich scores, Espino brings that same thoughtful touch to Snow Bear, helping the film’s narrative resonate through its evocative soundtrack.
Aaron Blaise on the Importance of Music in Snow Bear:
“With Snow Bear having no dialogue, the score takes on an even greater role in telling the story and guiding the audience emotionally. Music becomes the primary voice for the characters, setting the tone for both the lighter moments and the deeper themes at the heart of the film. It’s amazing how a powerful melody can capture a character’s hopes, loneliness, and triumphs without a single spoken word. That’s why working with incredibly talented composers like Mark and Marlon has been such a meaningful collaboration for me. Their music brings Snow Bear to life in so many ways. It elevates every scene and fully immersing us in this Arctic world.”
Press / Contact
Collaborators
We’re honored to partner with Polar Bears International and the National Parks Conservation Association—two organizations dedicated to protecting our planet’s most treasured habitats and wildlife. Through Snow Bear, we hope to spark a deeper appreciation for these fragile ecosystems and inspire tangible support for the conservation efforts carried out by both PBI and the NPCA. By sharing this story, we aspire to contribute to their vital missions and help ensure that the Arctic and our national parks remain thriving havens for generations to come.
National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is the only independent, nonpartisan membership organization devoted exclusively to advocacy on behalf of the National Parks System. Its mission is “to protect and enhance America’s National Park System for present and future generations.”
Polar Bears International (PBI) is a non-profit organization working to protect polar bears and their fragile habitat. Their mission is to save polar bears and the sea ice they depend on by supporting cutting-edge research, raising awareness, and inspiring global action.
Upcoming Events:
We are pleased to share that Snow Bear is now showing at film festivals and special events around the world.
Be sure to check this space often as we will be announcing additional showings soon.
Chilemonos Film Festival: International Films Screening
Santiago, Chile
May 27, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Tribeca Film Festival – June 7 Premiere Screening
New York, NY
June 7, 2025 | 12:00 PM