Hibernation
A lit cabin among snow-covered pines at dusk, smoke rising from the chimney

A hand-drawn animated short · No dialogue

Hibernation

A film by Jason Kowalski

After years in isolation, a grieving bear is drawn back into the world by a determined young bear.

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The film

After losing his wife, Bear withdraws into the quiet of his cabin. Years later, a young visitor draws him back into the winter landscape, where he begins to find pleasure in a world he had shut out.

Told through hand-drawn animation and an original score by Trevor Kowalski, Hibernation is a story about loss, connection, and learning to enjoy life again.

Stills

From the director

The story for Hibernation came to me one day while I was far from home. I was missing my family and thinking about what mattered to me. The whole story seemed to arrive at once.

I developed the final story with my wife, Morgan. I wanted to make a film about finding joy again after life has changed, and how another person can help you take that first step. I wanted it to feel hopeful without pretending that loss goes away.

From the beginning, I knew I wanted my brother Trevor to write the music. The score had to lead. There would be no dialogue or sound effects; the music would be the sound of the film.

I also knew I needed to find the right animator. I waited until I found Kitty, whose drawing style felt right for this world.

It took years to bring Hibernation to life. Getting to make it with people I love has become part of what the film means to me.

Jason Kowalski

Writer & Director

Filmmakers

Contact

For festival and screening inquiries, or to request a private screener, please contact Jason Kowalski.

The completed film will be available on December 15, 2026.