Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust grew from Ishan Shukla’s 2016 animated short into a 103-minute feature that premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in 2024. Its journey from a compact dystopian idea to a feature-length world also reflects a hybrid animation process built around 2D and 3D techniques.
From a 14-minute short to a feature
Shukla’s starting point was Schirkoa, a 14-minute animated short. The official film site says the short played on the festival circuit and later received an online release; its idea then expanded into a feature. IFFR likewise describes the feature as based on Shukla’s 2016 short. The official concept page and IFFR’s film listing document that connection.
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| Version | Runtime | What the sources establish |
|---|---|---|
| Original Schirkoa short | 14 minutes, according to the official film site; publication year for that runtime is not stated on the cited page | A 2016 short that played festivals and later had an online release, per the official film site |
| Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust feature | 103 minutes, according to IFFR’s 2024 listing | A 2024 English-language feature from France, Germany, and India, based on the short, per IFFR |
How the feature’s animation took shape
The official feature page describes the film as 2D/3D animation written, designed, and directed by Shukla, with Bich-Quân Tran as artistic collaborator and co-producer. IFFR says the team combined 2D and 3D techniques and used a video-game engine. The cited festival listing does not name the engine, so a specific software product cannot be identified from these sources.
The official concept page explains that the real-time workflow let the team assess camera focus, color, textures, effects, and post-processing while working on the animatic. Shukla described its creative benefit this way: “With a WYSIWYG workflow we are able to realize the shots in a far more creative way than before.” The official concept page attributes the statement to the director.
#1 Best Overall
A dystopia built around conformity
IFFR’s synopsis describes a society where citizens wear paper bags over their heads to dissolve their differences. Rumours of a mythical land where freedom reigns begin to unsettle that order. The setup makes the film’s central conflict legible: a system promises sameness and stability, while the possibility of another way of living raises questions about control, fear, and liberation.
IFFR identifies echoes of George Orwell’s 1984 in the film. That is a comparison made by the festival, not evidence that Shukla adapted Orwell’s novel. The film’s distinctive paper-bag image and rumoured free land frame its own exploration of conformity and social control. IFFR’s film page gives its synopsis and thematic framing.
Rank #2
- Factory sealed DVD
Who made it
IFFR credits Shukla as director, screenwriter, and cinematographer, and names Shukla and Bich-Quân Tran as producers. Nicolas Titeux is credited for sound design. The festival’s principal cast includes Golshifteh Farahani, Asia Argento, Lav Diaz, Shekhar Kapur, Anurag Kashyap, and Gaspar Noé. The official feature page lists a broader voice cast and additional production credits.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When and where it premiered
The feature’s Rotterdam premiere is in the past: Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust had its world premiere at IFFR 2024, in the Bright Future programme. The festival’s announcement stated that the film “has its world premiere” as it introduced the 2024 programme. IFFR’s announcement and its film listing record the event.
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Rank #3
- Factory sealed DVD
IFFR’s film page currently shows streaming access, but availability can change. Consult the festival listing for the current viewing option.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Actors Christopher Judge, Peter Woodward, Ricardo Chavira & Gwendoline Yeo
- Director Mike Disa
- Certificate 15 years and over
- Year 2010
- Screen Widescreen 2.40:1
Rank #4
- Factory sealed DVD
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