From the award-winning director, Patricia A Burke, comes a captivating parable that explores the journey of a young boy prince and his profound connection to his teddy bear. To find true happiness, William embarks on an inward journey. Guided by a wise shaman, he learns valuable lessons about himself and the world around him. This story delivers a timeless message about the importance of discovering belonging within a community.

Review by Julie C. Sheppard:

The Boy Prince and the Bear is a delightful coming-of-age animated short in the style of a medieval fairy tale, complete with an enchanting castle and costumes. The animation is charming, using defined bright colours for characters in the forefront, and soft, muted watercolours in the background. The plucky acoustic guitar under the narration has a renaissance chamber music feel to it, which works perfectly for this period piece. 

Melodic screenplay reading is provided by the talented narrator who has a fitting British accent and the ability for multi-character depiction, much as a parent would when reading a child a bedtime story. Of course, the film begins with the classic opening phrase of “In a distant land…”. 

Also, in the style of many a fairy tale, there is a strong character arc. The Boy Prince meets a wise mentor, and gains insight and maturity. By shedding a childhood attachment, he learns how to deal with life’s inevitable challenges on the path to growing up.