THE GIFT OF PAPI

2D Animated Short Film | 12 Minutes | Adventure / Family / Fantasy

Created, Written, Directed & Illustrated by: Irina Bulusheva

Logline
A grumpy mountain hermit meets a lively orphan girl during a blizzard. Their journey to decorate a living tree transforms him into Kaghand Pap, bringing the true spirit of Taremut back to the world.

About the Project
"The Gift of Papi" is an original 12-minute 2D animated short film concept currently in development. Inspired by Armenian folklore and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the film tells a cozy, universal story about emotional rebirth, human connection, and the power of kindness.

Set deep in the snow-capped Dilijan mountains, the narrative follows Papi, a lonely old hermit who has shut himself off from the world. When a vibrant orphan girl named Ani knocks on his door during a fierce storm, her warmth and determination spark a journey that revives ancient traditions, unites the forest wildlife, and brings the Armenian legend of Kaghand Pap (Santa Claus) and Dzunanushik to life.

Visual Development & Concept Art
All character designs, background concepts, color scripts, and visual materials for this project were conceived and hand-drawn by me.

Custom Visual Identity: Blending the stylized 2D aesthetic of studios like Cartoon Saloon with the book-illustration traditions of Ivan Bilibin and Igor Oleynikov.
Authentic Worldbuilding: Traditional stone huts with warm tonir hearths, estates carved from tufa, and intricate Armenian national ornaments woven into costumes.
Original Character Design: Turnarounds, color palettes, and expression sheets for all main characters (Papi, Ani) and the native Dilijan wildlife (Caucasian bear, ibex, deer, fox).
Open for Collaboration
As the creator, screenwriter, director, and concept artist of this project, I am actively seeking a Producer / Animation Studio / Co-Production Partners to take on the production, funding, and realization of this film.

Format: 2D Animation Short Film (12 minutes)
Estimated Budget: ~$60,000 USD (Includes pre-production, 2D animation, original music, and sound design)
Available Upon Request:

Full Project Pitch Deck (PDF)
Complete Original Script & Synopsis
Full Character Model Sheets, Color Scripts & Environment Art
Get in Touch:

Irina Bulusheva