One small monkey, one big lesson in kindness.
A 7-minute journey you will never forget.
Early Reviews
"An extremely moving, entertaining, and visually stunning film with exquisite and deeply moving music."
|
"Beautifully crafted and deeply humane."
"Very poignant, resonating across cultures and generations."
"An extraordinary work."
"A moving meditation on kindness, belonging and resilience."
|
"A tender, deeply human film with a very impressive score."
"An amazing, fantastic, wonderful film."
"A beautiful, emotional film that really touches the heart."
"Quietly powerful and emotionally sincere."
|
1. BEST SHORT FILM
2. BEST DIRECTOR
3. BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE
Indiewood Film Festival - September 15, 2026 - TCL Chinese Theater 4, Hollywood, California
Indiewood Film Festival - September 15, 2026 - TCL Chinese Theater 4, Hollywood, California
ITALIAN PREMIERE
4th Burano AI Film Festival - October 13-17, 2026 - Fondazione Querini-Stampaglia, Venice, Italy
In conjunction with Rai Cinema and the Webby Awards
4th Burano AI Film Festival - October 13-17, 2026 - Fondazione Querini-Stampaglia, Venice, Italy
In conjunction with Rai Cinema and the Webby Awards
|
|
|
|
|
2026 | ANIMATED DRAMA
Based on true events
|
The Story
LOGLINE
Cast out by his mother and hunted by a brutal troop bully, Punch the defenseless infant macaque must rely on an abandoned kitten and a scarred guardian to survive a world that wants him gone. SYNOPSIS
Inspired by the viral true story of Panchi-kun, an infant macaque rejected by his mother at Ichikawa City Zoo, Japan. In this fictionalized short, Punch finds fleeting comfort with Uma, an abandoned Persian kitten, endures cruel rejection from Garo, a bullying troop member, and discovers protective love from the gentle guardian Go-chan. Main Characters
Crew
|
|
Official Poster (2026)
|
© 2026 Avinu Films | Malta | 7 mins
|
Gallery
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
|
|
WINNER - BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
2026 Cinematic European Film Festival
COMPOSER
MARCELLE ABELA
FEATURED SOLOISTS
|
Director's Statement
|
As a director, I was drawn to this tale because it strips away the complexities of human drama to reveal something pure and primal: the universal ache of being unwanted, the quiet courage it takes to keep going, and the transformative miracle when kindness — often from the most unexpected sources — steps in to rewrite a story of isolation into one of belonging. Punch's Journey is not just about a little monkey; it is a mirror for anyone who has ever felt cast aside, bullied, or too small for the world.
In reimagining this true event as a short with emotional depth and cinematic heart, we seek to honor the millions moved by the real Punch, while crafting a timeless fable about empathy, perseverance, and the fierce beauty of chosen family. |
This film is an act of tenderness in a time when tenderness and love feel radical. Punch's Journey reminds us that even in a troop that turns away, one scarred guardian, one unlikely friend, or one moment of compassion can change everything. My hope is that audiences leave these few minutes feeling seen in their own vulnerabilities — and inspired to extend that same protective love to the defenseless among us, whether they have fur, whiskers, or none at all.
|
Thanks
SPECIAL THANKS
Michael A. Levine
The Government of Malta - AI for Everyone Initiative
Michael A. Levine
The Government of Malta - AI for Everyone Initiative
THANKS
Adam Nieri
Michael P. Davis
Brian Wankum
Adam Nieri
Michael P. Davis
Brian Wankum
PRESS INQUIRIES: contact at avinufilms.com
#punchsjourney