Award-Winning Animated Fairytale ‘Pigasus’ Takes Wing on YouTube

Pigasus, the award-winning animated short film produced by Arcana Studio (My Brother the Monster, upcoming Ultraduck) and directed by Sean Patrick O’Reilly (Go Fish, Locked), is available to a global audience for the first time with its debut on YouTube on August 21. After a successful international film festival run at almost 200 festivals and more than 60 awards, Arcana is now sharing the inspiring story with a wider international audience.

Based on the book Pigasus: The Lost Paradise Elysium – Battle for Evermore by Don McDowell, the film has received praise for its blend of adventure, fantasy and powerful life lessons, as well as festival recognition for its artistic achievement and universal themes.

Synopsis: The film follows Pigasus as he struggles with his own faults and fears, ultimately learning that true strength lies in the belief in the light that exists within all of us. The magical creatures of the valley  — Pegasus, Unicorn and Unisus — accompany Pigasus on his quest, lending an air of mysticism and adventure to the setting.

Set in the fantastical Shasta Valley at the base of the ancient Shasta Volcano, the story draws on powerful themes of personal growth, overcoming fears and discovering one’s true power. Pigasus is about the universal battle between light and dark, good and evil, and how each of us has the power to overcome our limitations; a message for audiences of all ages.

Directed by Sean Patrick O’Reilly, written by Don McDowell and produced by BC-based Arcana Studio, Pigasus brings McDowell’s book to life with stunning visuals and an emotionally resonant narrative.

“This film is a celebration of everything that makes life meaningful — faith, love, forgiveness and the importance of family,” said McDowell. “To see it connect with so many people around the world has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I can’t wait for more people, kids and families around the world to be able to access its universal messages.”

O’Reilly, CEO and Founder of Arcana Studio, is a filmmaker, producer and author, and has won numerous awards for his work. His original creations include Kade, The Gwaii, Clockwork Girl, The Hope Virus, Pixies, Mighty Mighty Monsters, the Howard Lovecraft series, The Steam Engines of Oz and Go Fish.

“We’ve always been committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling,” said the team at Arcana Studio. “With Pigasus, we’ve had the privilege of bringing Don McDowell’s deeply meaningful story to life, and the response from audiences has been overwhelming. This film represents everything we believe in — creating stories that inspire, uplift and make a difference in people’s lives.”

A mere few of the 200 film festivals around the world where Pigasus has screened include award-winning turns at the World Film Festival in Cannes (Best Animation Film), the Vegas Movie Awards (Best Animation), the Hollywood Gold Awards (Best Animation), the International Film Awards (Best Super Short Film), the Top Film Awards (Best Super Short Film) and the Milan Gold Awards (Best Animation).

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