Zombie Ship. Animated Short Film and Game
Zombie Ship. Multi Award-Winning Animated Short Film
Status: Released in 2025
Available on TheCGBros YouTube channel.
About
Synopsis: A lone FISHERMAN faces the relentless pull of a monstrous, storm-tossed sea – drawn back toward a ravenous beast lurking in its depths. Desperate to live, he will sacrifice anything, even his own humanity, in a fatal struggle for survival. Yet there’s no escape from the cycle of darkness already set in motion. This is a tale of eternal predation, not salvation. In the horror of ‘Zombie Ship,’ chiaroscuro reveals only what can be torn from the abyss, while the unknown thrives, undisturbed, in the suffocating shadows. The film plunges into the harrowing moral dilemma: how far will one go to save their life, when survival demands the ultimate price?
Inspiration and Style: Zombie Ship draws from maritime legends, Lovecraftian horror, and ghost ship folklore. Visually, it’s a fusion of stark realism and surreal nightmare – it’s the interplay of light, shadow, and texture that shapes its unsettling atmosphere. Here, the ocean isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a lair for the beast, a creature of rust-ridden steel and hunger, a living, breathing menace. And with every frame, the line between reality and myth begins to blur.
Genre: Animated Sci-Fi Horror Short Film with a Twist
Creators
Written and Directed by: Art Borowiec
“I have a goal. I want to tell better and better film stories.
The kind that pull you in, leave a mark, and stick in your head.
The kind that earn recognition because they’re truly good, not just loud.
I believe film should transport us to fantastical worlds.
I’m drawn to sci-fi, fantasy, spectacle, breathtaking visuals and stories that fully immerse you.
I chose animation because it gives me freedom. I can build anything I imagine.
My first film, Zombie Ship, is also the intro to a game.
It poses a question: Is survival worth the cost of humanity?
The film has won multiple awards at festivals around the world.
That matters to me because recognition from the audience and the industry is important.
But I also know I can do even better.
I’ve invested in a studio. I’ve gained experience.
I’m ready for the next challenge.
Because storytelling is where I find meaning, where I feel it truly matters.
I create to reach people.
And if you’re also trying to tell stories that move, let’s connect.”
Brian Stivale as Fisherman
Brian Stivale is a renowned Hollywood actor and veteran voice artist with over 500 professional credits across stage, film, television, and video games. His voice is recognized in more than 300 million homes in over 150 countries. Stivale is best known for his work as Venom in Marvel’s Avengers Academy, Batman for DC Comics, and Rubeus Hagrid for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. He is also the narrator of acclaimed series such as “Copycat Killers” (Discovery/REELZ) and “Beating Death: The Science of Survival” (CuriosityStream).
Trained by industry legends including Charlie Adler, David Suchet, Avery Brooks, and William Esper, Brian’s dynamic range and versatility have earned him awards at the Cannes Film Festival and nominations for the BAFTA and Audie Awards. His recent work includes roles in major feature films premiering in 2025 and collaborations with directors like Guy Ritchie and Michael Bay.
Brian Stivale brings his signature depth and intensity to Zombie Ship Movie, further elevating the film’s unique atmosphere.
Mike Regan as Boss
Mike Regan is an international voice actor known for his powerful and resonant performances in video games, animation, and narration. Based in Vancouver, he has quickly established himself as a “go-to” talent for leading companies and productions worldwide. His recent credits include the role of Boss in Zombie Ship (2025), the narrator in the acclaimed video game Do Not Buy This Game, and a featured role in Ash of Gods: The Way (2023). Mike’s versatility spans commercial voiceovers, character work, and documentary narration, making him a sought-after voice in the industry. He has been professionally coached by industry experts such as Tony Alcantar, Marc Cashman, and Christian Scott, and is recognized for his professionalism and creative range.
Executive Producer: Sylwia Tararuj
Animation and Post-Production Studio: Deep Flame
Deep Flame is a creative studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of animation and visual storytelling. Every project is crafted with precision, blending technical innovation with a bold artistic vision.
Technology: Unreal Engine 5, Motion Capture, Metahuman
Zombie Ship is built with cutting-edge real-time technology and performance capture, bringing a dark, cinematic vision to life. Developed in Unreal Engine 5 with high-fidelity animation techniques, the film creates a hauntingly immersive experience.
Awards and Nominations
AWARDS (2025)
Best Animated Film – Hollywood Gold Awards – Los Angeles, United States – April 5, 2025
Gold Award: Animation – New York Movie Awards – New York, United States – April 5, 2025
Best Picture – London Movie Awards – London, United Kingdom – April 5, 2025
Best Picture – International Gold Awards – New York, United States – April 5, 2025
Best Picture – Paris Film Awards – Paris, France – April 24, 2025
Best Picture – Milan Gold Awards – Milan, Italy – April 5, 2025
Best Picture – Florence Film Awards – Florence, Italy – April 5, 2025
Best Animation Short of The Year – Digital Griffix Film Awards – Montreal, Canada – May 22, 2025
Best Film – Yes! Let’s Make a Movie International Film Festival – Montreal, Canada – June 19, 2025
Critics Choice Award: Best Horror Short Film – Golden Lion International Film Festival – Kolkata, India – March 25, 2025
Best First Animated Short Film – Fotofilm Internatıonal Short Film Festival – Istanbul, Turkey – May 5, 2025
Best Animation – East Village New York Film Festival – New York, United States – March 30, 2025
Best Animation – Cinematic European Film Festival – Craiova, Romania – February 28, 2025
Best European Film – Monza Film Fest – Monza, Italy – March 1, 2025
Best Animated Short Film – Golden Lion International Film Festival – Kolkata, India – March 25, 2025
Best Thriller/Horror Short – Golden Nugget International Film Festival – London, United Kingdom – March 29, 2025
Best Animation Short – Underground Indie Film Festival – Apopka, United States – June 14, 2025
Audience Choice Winner – Lift-Off First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Volume 3 – Pinewood, United Kingdom – March 10, 2025
Finalist – Best Animation Short – Kinematora Film Festival – Kronoberg, Sweden – May 31, 2025
Semi-Finalist – Stockholm City Film Festival – Stockholm, Sweden – March 30, 2025
Nomination: Super Short Film – Cannes Film Awards – Cannes, France – June 14, 2025
Nomination: Short Film – Animation – TMFF – The Monthly Film Festival – Glasgow, United Kingdom – March 31, 2025
Nomination: Best Trailer – TMFF – The Monthly Film Festival – Glasgow, United Kingdom – March 31, 2025
Honorable Mention: Short Film – Albuquerque Film Festival – Phoenix, United States – March 28, 2025
Honorable Mention: Best Animation – Night of Shorts – Milan, Italy – March 30, 2025
OFFICIAL SELECTION
Zombie Ship game adaptation
Step into the action! The official video game adaptation of Zombie Ship is coming soon to Steam. Play as your favorite characters and experience an epic horror adventure like never before. Add it to your wishlist now!
Check out the game on Steam.
Add it to your wishlist now.
Media
Ghosts of the deep are hungry…
Press Kit
Download electronic press kit for Animated Short Film here: EPS, Downloadable press assets.
Contact
Press and sales contact: studio@deepflame.com