The Fisherman's Lullaby Screens at Cooper Union

We are proud to announce the completion of our first funded animated short film, The Fisherman's Lullaby, directed by Kaniz Fatema. A deeply personal work rooted in Bengali culture and mythology, the film is the first to be funded and produced through Titmouse Foundation's 2024 Female Directors Grant.

On April 7, we hosted a special screening and Q&A for the short film at Cooper Union in New York City. The room was full of energy as friends, family, and fellow animation professionals gathered to celebrate the film's sneak peek.

Following the screening, a panel discussion took place with Director Kaniz Fatema, Art Director Demauni Sankey, and Titmouse Foundation President Shannon Prynoski, moderated by Hsiang Chin Moe, Chair of BFA Animation at the School of Visual Arts and Titmouse Foundation Board Member. The conversation explored the layers of Bengali influence in the film, the journey of developing its characters and what it means to nurture a first-time filmmaker's vision from grant application all the way to the big screen.

Shannon spoke to the heart of what the Foundation is about: supporting filmmakers not just with funding, but with meaningful mentorship every step of the way. Kaniz shared what it meant to finally see her film on screen surrounded by the people who matter most to her, and looked ahead to what comes next.

The evening closed with a lively audience Q&A, a fitting end to a night full of inspiration.

Photography by Aqua Hsu

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