Lee approached us with the concept and original script, and our role was to bring the story to life through character design and full animation production.
Given that Tata Duende is one of Belize’s most iconic folklore figures, we knew it was essential to stay true to the imagery passed down through generations. Our character design aimed to reflect the deep cultural roots and mystique surrounding the Duende.
The film features two distinct visual styles: one for the world where Tecuani and the Duende exist, and another for the story-within-a-story told by the Duende.
At its core, Tecuani and the Duende are both entertaining and educational, designed to raise awareness about jaguar conservation while celebrating Belizean folklore.
The film was screened across Belize, from urban centers to remote rural villages. It was named the Most Notable Film at the Belize International Film Festival and was also showcased internationally in Guatemala, England, and Japan.
