The Tragedy of the Maned Wolf – Brazilian Stop-Motion Short by Kimberly Palermo
Brazilian filmmaker Kimberly Palermo has brought to life a striking new stop-motion short, The Tragedy of the Maned Wolf (A Tragédia da Lobo-guará), which has begun its festival journey in 2025. The film blends poetic storytelling with the textured craftsmanship of stop-motion animation, offering audiences a heartfelt journey across the Brazilian landscape.
A Story Rooted in Brazilian Identity
The short follows a sentimental maned wolf, who after losing everything, sets off on a journey across Brazil in search of a new home. Along the way, the wolf encounters the complexities and contradictions of the world around her. Palermo’s vision taps into themes of resilience, displacement, and identity, with the wolf serving as both a national symbol and a deeply human figure.
Palermo has described the work as not only a personal creative exploration but also as a meditation on brasilidades—the essence of Brazilian culture expressed through animal allegory and handcrafted animation.
Origins and Production
The project began as a final course short film at Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) and has since grown into a polished work that has found recognition on the international festival circuit. Palermo served as director, writer, animator, editor, and art assistant, demonstrating her multifaceted artistry and dedication to the medium.
The finished film runs 18 minutes and 46 seconds, employing stop-motion techniques to immerse audiences in its tactile world.
Festival Recognition
Since its completion, The Tragedy of the Maned Wolf has gained attention on the festival scene:
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Official Selection at Festival do Rio 2025, included in the Première Brasil – O Estado das Coisas – Curtas program.
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In competition at Animage – Festival Internacional de Animação de Pernambuco, where it joined a strong slate of animated shorts.
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Selected for VarnaFest 2025, one of the major international showcases for animation, appearing in its stop-motion program catalogue.
These selections reflect not only the quality of Palermo’s storytelling but also the growing global recognition of Brazilian stop-motion filmmaking.
A Rising Filmmaker
Kimberly Palermo has already positioned herself as a distinctive new voice in animation. By taking on nearly every role in the production process, she demonstrates the same kind of passionate independence seen in many groundbreaking stop-motion directors. Her film not only highlights the challenges of a wandering wolf but also mirrors the persistence required of artists working in this demanding medium.
As the short continues its run on the festival circuit, it will undoubtedly bring more international attention to Palermo’s work and to the vibrant Brazilian stop-motion community.
