“Katydom” by Maria Ramirez-Adams, Featuring Anne and Martin Pierce’s Art, Finalist at 2024 Culver City Film Festival

The Culver City Film Festival has officially announced its finalists, and Katydom, a captivating short film directed by Maria Ramirez-Adams, with the story and surreal artwork created by Anne and Martin Pierce, is among the top selections. The film is scheduled to premiere at Regal LA Live on December 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM, offering audiences an immersive exploration of a world that challenges the traditional power structures in nature.

This honor recognizes the film’s ability to merge fantastical storytelling with groundbreaking art to present a bold vision of an alternate reality. In Katydom, the dominance of one species over another is entirely removed, creating a balanced ecosystem where all organisms, regardless of size or origin, coexist in harmony.

“This recognition from the Culver City Film Festival is both humbling and exhilarating,” said Anne Pierce, who alongside Martin Pierce, brought the intricate world of Katydom to life through sculptures and paintings. “Our hope is that Katydom will spark important conversations about how we view ourselves in relation to other species and the ecosystems we share.”

The Fascinating World of Katydom

Katydom is set in a meticulously crafted habitat that merges biology and fantasy. In this universe, mangroves, agave, and ficus trees intertwine through a vast fungal network, forming an interconnected environment that serves as homes, food sources, and shared spaces for its inhabitants. The film’s stunning visuals are rooted in Martin Pierce’s artistic sculptures and paintings, which provide the foundational imagery for this richly imagined world.

At the heart of Katydom is the Annual Insect Race, a celebrated tradition open to all species regardless of size or skill. Governed by the historic Herbivy Treaty, the race bans flying, ensuring a level playing field for all participants. This whimsical event becomes a symbol of equality and cooperation, reflecting the shared values that underpin the community of Katydom.

The lore of the Katydids is central to the narrative, as they serve as historians and protectors of tradition. Their elders inscribe legends and lessons onto their shed wings, creating a living archive that passes down the wisdom of the ages. Through its attention to detail, Katydom captures the imagination while delivering a subtle commentary on interdependence and equity in nature.

A Reflection on Global Themes

In a world increasingly concerned with issues of equity, diversity, and sustainability, Katydom resonates as a timely artistic statement. By imagining a reality where dominance is not dictated by size, strength, or species, the film challenges viewers to reconsider the structures of power that exist both in nature and human society.

Maria Ramirez-Adams, the film’s director, highlighted the importance of its message: “In every frame, we aimed to create a world that is visually stunning but also thought-provoking. Katydom speaks to the possibility of a shared existence, where differences are celebrated rather than exploited.”

The themes explored in the film align with ongoing global conversations about speciesism, the impact of human dominance on ecosystems, and the need for greater environmental stewardship.

A Milestone Achievement

Becoming a finalist in the Culver City Film Festival marks a significant milestone for Katydom and its creators. The festival is renowned for celebrating innovative and thought-provoking films, making this recognition a testament to the project’s originality and artistry.

Anne and Martin Pierce’s contribution to the film adds a unique dimension, as their artwork brings a tactile and sculptural quality to the cinematic experience. Their surrealist approach, which blends fantasy and nature, has garnered acclaim in both the art and film communities.

Event Details

  • Film: Katydom
  • Director: Maria Ramirez-Adams
  • Artists and Story Creators: Anne and Martin Pierce
  • What: Screening at Culver City Film Festival
  • When: December 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM
  • Where: Regal LA Live, Los Angeles, CA

For tickets and more information, visit Culver City Film Festival.

About Anne and Martin Pierce

Anne and Martin Pierce are celebrated artists whose work transcends boundaries between sculpture, painting, and storytelling. Their portfolio includes surreal bronze sculptures and intricate paintings that often explore themes of coexistence, interconnectedness, and the beauty of the natural world. Their art has been featured in galleries and exhibitions worldwide, and Katydom represents a bold new chapter in their creative journey.

For Additional Information

For more on their work, visit Martin Pierce Art.

Media Contact

Anne Pierce

Martin Pierce Art

5433 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Phone: 323-939-5929

Email: anne@martinpierce.com

Media Contact
Company Name: Martin Pierce Art
Contact Person: Anne Pierce
Email: Send Email
Phone: 323-939-5929
City: Los Angeles
State: California
Country: United States
Website: https://www.martinpierce.com/art