Meeting Your Maker
Runtime:
18:00
Genre:
Off Kilter
Showtime:
8pm Saturday, September 19 at Memorial Hall
Director:
Gregory JM Kasunich
Synopsis:
Life is hard. Puppets are soft. A feel-good movie about a puppet that kills himself. Meeting Your Maker is a darkly whimsical short film that follows Otis, a beloved puppet on a long-running children’s show, as he faces an existential crisis just before the series’ milestone 300th episode. Set against the vibrant chaos of a TV studio and the surreal backdrop of a puppeteer’s inner world, the story explores themes of identity, burnout, and the creative struggle, blurring the line between performer and creator in (hopefully) poignant and unexpectedly funny ways.
Nominee for Best Actor, Jonathan Kite
Nominee for Best Director, Gregory JM Kasunich
Nominee for Best Live Action Short Film
Gregory JM Kasunich is a student pilot, coffee roaster, and board game inventor. He also happens to be a dyslexic, writer and director whose work spans film, television, theater, and branded content. His work blends character-driven storytelling with grounded humor and heart.
His short films have screened internationally and earned multiple festival awards, including Oscar®-qualifying recognition. Gregory also directs branded content and commercials for everything from BMWs to Taylor Swift.
He’s drawn to stories that feel human, cinematic, and a little unexpected, built on strong performances, careful craft, and an emotional payoff.