The Dog in the Long Grass

The Dog in the Long Grass | Trailer

Haunted by a fleeting glimpse of Death as a black dog, a man embarks on a desperate search across the Sussex landscape to ask a single, unanswered question.

Director’s Statement

‘The Dog in the Long Grass’ is an exploration of the landscapes and folklore that have deeply inspired my storytelling, while grappling with universal questions about life and mortality. I've always been captivated by the interplay between the region's dramatic natural beauty and its rich collection of folklore.

This film marks my debut into fully animated filmmaking. My previous works incorporated animation with live-action, but in 'The Dog in the Long Grass,' I sought to fully embrace the power of animation to create a world that blends the real and the mythical. This journey has allowed me to discover new ways of telling stories through animation, and to deepen my understanding of the landscapes and legends that have always inspired me.

Sussex, like many parts of the UK, is home to the legend of the Padfoot, a spectral black dog said to be an omen of death or misfortune. By weaving this folklore into the film's narrative, and setting it against the backdrop of iconic Sussex locations, I aimed to create an animation that uses metaphor to explore our complex relationship with mortality, while crafting a surface-level story accessible to all ages.

Director Biography - Seb Cox

Sussex-based filmmaker Seb Cox blends animation and live-action to explore the integration of myth and reality. After a career in live-action and visual effects, Seb transitioned to illustrated animation, seeking to expand his storytelling horizons.

His debut feature, 'Are We Monsters,' premiered at FrightFest, and was the animator for the internationally recognised 'Winnie the Pooh Blood and Honey' films. Currently in production on his second feature, 'You Just Lost The Game,' a hybrid of animation and live-action, Seb has also returned to his roots with his debut fully animated short film, 'The Dog in the Long Grass.'

Seb's approach to animation is deeply informed by his background in physics, allowing him to create movements that are both fluid and grounded in a sense of naturalism. He seeks to use animation to bring folklore and personal narratives to life, inviting audiences to explore the hidden depths of the world around them.

Film Festivals

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