Butterfly
2025·Animation·15m
7.3
★
A Jewish North African middle-aged man's swim in the sea triggers memories of his earlier life as an Olympic swimmer before and after World War II.
Directed by Florence Miailhe
world war ii
antisemitism
swimmer
discrimination
hand painted animation
Rank
#71 in 2025·#2080 overall
IMDB
N/A
Cast
Johannes Oliver Hamm
Sports Commentator (voice)
Olivier Peissel
Sports Commentator / Police Officer / Soldier (voice)
Crew
Florence Miailhe
Director
Florence Miailhe
Writer
Guillaume Hoenig
Director of Photography
Ron Dyens
Producer
Florence Miailhe
Production Design
Popular Reviews
334 reviews
Andrew Warren
7.0★ · 03/08/26
Oscar Nominated Animated Short Film
A beautifully animated short film, Butterfly is based on the real life story of Jewish swimmer Alfred Nakache, and the struggles that came with competing in a Berlin held Summer Olympics. So many beautiful transitions thanks to its pastel colored stop-motion animation. A touching short film.
A beautifully animated short film, Butterfly is based on the real life story of Jewish swimmer Alfred Nakache, and the struggles that came with competing in a Berlin held Summer Olympics. So many beautiful transitions thanks to its pastel colored stop-motion animation. A touching short film.
Oscar Nominated Animated Short Film
A beautifully animated short film, Butterfly is based on the real life story of Jewish swimmer Alfred Nakache, and the struggles that came with competing in a Berlin held Summer Olympics. So many beautiful transitions thanks to its pastel colored stop-motion animation. A touching short film.
A beautifully animated short film, Butterfly is based on the real life story of Jewish swimmer Alfred Nakache, and the struggles that came with competing in a Berlin held Summer Olympics. So many beautiful transitions thanks to its pastel colored stop-motion animation. A touching short film.
2
Arlo
8.0★ · 01/28/26
"Come on little fishes, no fear!"
Butterfly is a truly wonderful short film and absolutely deserving of its Oscar nomination. The animation is breathtaking, every frame is carefully crafted, and the imagery of the water is especially beautiful, with some great and fluid transitions throughout. Beyond the visuals, I really liked the story, it’s simple, touching, and emotionally resonant without overstaying its welcome. A short film that’s both visually stunning and deeply engaging.
"Come on little fishes, no fear!"
Butterfly is a truly wonderful short film and absolutely deserving of its Oscar nomination. The animation is breathtaking, every frame is carefully crafted, and the imagery of the water is especially beautiful, with some great and fluid transitions throughout. Beyond the visuals, I really liked the story, it’s simple, touching, and emotionally resonant without overstaying its welcome. A short film that’s both visually stunning and deeply engaging.
1
Jacob LucibelloPRO
6.0★ · 02/27/26
Strikingly beautiful watercolor animation. Not sure I’ve ever seen something like it.
Strikingly beautiful watercolor animation. Not sure I’ve ever seen something like it.
Sab
10.0★ · 05/25/26
What a beautiful story told in such a beautiful way oh my lord 10/10
What a beautiful story told in such a beautiful way oh my lord 10/10
Lucas Emmet
5.0★ · 05/13/26
I respect the idea and the effort put into this film, personally I thought it was interesting just not for me, it’s a short film so not a lot to say but yeah, lost me at some parts and then other times had me like “oh wow okay a twist?” So yeah, impressive to say the least.
I respect the idea and the effort put into this film, personally I thought it was interesting just not for me, it’s a short film so not a lot to say but yeah, lost me at some parts and then other times had me like “oh wow okay a twist?” So yeah, impressive to say the least.