Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Untranslatable Forest is an experimental short film that drifts between animation, surrealism, and visual essay, a meditation on language, nature, and the fragile world we are losing.
Directed by Ivan Miguel & Andy Camou
Set within a dreamlike airport, the film follows a quiet journey through six untranslatable words from different languages, each one revealing something deeply human that resists direct translation. As these words emerge, so does a reflection on our growing disconnection from nature, beauty, and belonging in a world increasingly shaped by efficiency and control.
Created entirely in Blender, the film blends 3D animation with poetic narration and an original score performed by Kronos Quartet, composed by Bryce Dessner. Voiceover performances from native speakers bring each language to life, underscoring a central theme: as languages disappear, so do the unique ways we understand the world.
Originally developed during the pandemic by directors Ivan Miguel and Andy Camou, the film was inspired by a shared appreciation for language, travel, and the natural environment, and the absence of all three during Covid lockdown.
Rooted in the idea that “the limits of my language mean the limits of my world,” (Ludwig Wittgenstein), The Untranslatable Forest is both a reflection and a warning, a reminder that the erosion of language and the destruction of nature are deeply connected.
Music: “Le Bois”
Composed by Bryce Dessner
Performed by Kronos Quartet (from 50 for the Future)
Support the cause:
A portion of proceeds from this film supports the Endangered Language Fund (ELF), helping preserve and document languages at risk of extinction worldwide.
Directed by Ivan Miguel & Andy Camou
Concept & Script by: Andy Camou & Ivan Miguel
Storyboard and 2D Motion: Ivan Miguel
3D Artist and 3D Motion: Andy Camou
Edit & Post: Ivan Miguel
Sound Production: Ronroco Audio
SWEDISH VO: Maria Drangel
German VO: Kirsten Schumann
Japanese VO: Saori Goda
Greek VO: Artemis Dourou
Russian VO: Marina Nikitina
English VO: Allison Howard
Produced by: Ivan Miguel
“Le Bois”
performed by
KRONOS QUARTET
David Harrington, violin
John Sherba, violin
Hank Dutt, violas
Sunny Yang, cello
Composed by Bryce Dessner
© 2019 Kronos Arts Publishing
2021 Kronos Performing Arts Association
Commissioned for Fifty for the Future: The
Kronos Learning Repertoire
Produced by Kronos Quartet and Reshena
Liao
Recorded July 2021 at 25th Street
Recording, Oakland, CA
Engineered by Zach Miley
Assistant engineer: Gabriel Shepard
Mixed by Zach Miley and David Harrington,
December 2021
Subscribe for animation worth your time
youtube.com/@UCPTJ1Mm2-QaCMiAS8M6jepg
Submit your films: Hello@scrimshawanimation.com
#3Danimation #indieanimation #shortfilm
The Untranslatable Forest is an experimental short film that drifts between animation, surrealism, and visual essay, a meditation on language, nature, and the fragile world we are losing.
Directed by Ivan Miguel & Andy Camou
Set within a dreamlike airport, the film follows a quiet journey through six untranslatable words from different languages, each one revealing something deeply human that resists direct translation. As these words emerge, so does a reflection on our growing disconnection from nature, beauty, and belonging in a world increasingly shaped by efficiency and control.
Created entirely in Blender, the film blends 3D animation with poetic narration and an original score performed by Kronos Quartet, composed by Bryce Dessner. Voiceover performances from native speakers bring each language to life, underscoring a central theme: as languages disappear, so do the unique ways we understand the world.
Originally developed during the pandemic by directors Ivan Miguel and Andy Camou, the film was inspired by a shared appreciation for language, travel, and the natural environment, and the absence of all three during Covid lockdown.
Rooted in the idea that “the limits of my language mean the limits of my world,” (Ludwig Wittgenstein), The Untranslatable Forest is both a reflection and a warning, a reminder that the erosion of language and the destruction of nature are deeply connected.
Music: “Le Bois”
Composed by Bryce Dessner
Performed by Kronos Quartet (from 50 for the Future)
Support the cause:
A portion of proceeds from this film supports the Endangered Language Fund (ELF), helping preserve and document languages at risk of extinction worldwide.
Directed by Ivan Miguel & Andy Camou
Concept & Script by: Andy Camou & Ivan Miguel
Storyboard and 2D Motion: Ivan Miguel
3D Artist and 3D Motion: Andy Camou
Edit & Post: Ivan Miguel
Sound Production: Ronroco Audio
SWEDISH VO: Maria Drangel
German VO: Kirsten Schumann
Japanese VO: Saori Goda
Greek VO: Artemis Dourou
Russian VO: Marina Nikitina
English VO: Allison Howard
Produced by: Ivan Miguel
“Le Bois”
performed by
KRONOS QUARTET
David Harrington, violin
John Sherba, violin
Hank Dutt, violas
Sunny Yang, cello
Composed by Bryce Dessner
© 2019 Kronos Arts Publishing
2021 Kronos Performing Arts Association
Commissioned for Fifty for the Future: The
Kronos Learning Repertoire
Produced by Kronos Quartet and Reshena
Liao
Recorded July 2021 at 25th Street
Recording, Oakland, CA
Engineered by Zach Miley
Assistant engineer: Gabriel Shepard
Mixed by Zach Miley and David Harrington,
December 2021
Subscribe for animation worth your time
youtube.com/@UCPTJ1Mm2-QaCMiAS8M6jepg
Submit your films: Hello@scrimshawanimation.com
#3Danimation #indieanimation #shortfilm
