The latest independent kaiju short film has finally hit the internet via platform Omeleto for viewers of all ages to enjoy after making the film festival rounds. Kaiju Kid, directed by filmmaker Rusteen Honardoost, is a stop motion live-action hybrid short film that sees a classic scenario, that being a heated sibling misunderstanding that “explodes into kaiju mayhem.” After not apologizing for his actions, he retreats to his closet, where his favorite monster toy is waiting. The kid then begins to dream about becoming that favorite kaiju toy in a stop motion sequence reminiscent of the childlike dreamscape of All Monsters Attack (1969) but with the humor and joy of Toy Story (1995).
Before hitting the internet, Kaiju Kid screened at 13 different film festivals around the world, including at the G-FEST Film Festival, Shorts Mexico, Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle Film Festival, and more. The short would take home two awards, first at the San Diego Comic-Con International Film Festival, where the film won Best Comics-Oriented Film, and then at the SD Kids Film Festival, where it was awarded Best Animated Short.
The film’s director, Rusteen Honardoost, has added in a statement to Kaiju United that the film was made completely independently for the love of the kaiju genre, while also adding that Kaiju Kid was “made by a dedicated crew of Godzilla acolytes, with every single element made by hand, from the buildings he destroys to the atomic blast that pours out of his mouth. Even the lightning that runs on his back, the only element done with computer effects, was drawn by hand on twos.”
Kaiju fans and independent film enthusiasts can now watch Kaiju Kid on the Omeleto platform. Check out our gallery of still shots, behind the scenes photos, and posters below. Stay tuned for more coverage on all things giant monsters and tokusatsu.
Watch the full short film below:
