Spaceman, the sci-fi short film by writer/director Dan Abramovici (Play It Again, Liminal), not to be confused with the Adam Sandler led Netflix film under the same title also releasing this year, explores the creative artistic journey of an artist losing passion for his crafts.

The film stars Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons (Whiplash, Spider-Man), Mena Massoud (Aladdin), and leading actor Trevor Copp.

Directed by Dan Abramovici, ‘Spaceman’ will open the 20th Annual Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival on August 8, 2024 at the TCL Chinese Theatre 6.

Spaceman uses mime, stop motion, classic animation, and theatrical elements, to explore one artist’s loss of creative passion and his journey to get it back. Allied with his passion (Mena Massoud), Spaceman (Trevor Copp) has to travel through the looking glass, and battle his imposter syndrome (J.K. Simmons), in order to truly see himself once more.

The film is an exploration of identity, artistic passion, and the fragile nature of human connection. It weaves themes of self-discovery, mental health, and the pursuit of dreams. 

“My hope is to blur the lines between the tangible and the ephemeral. By delving into Spaceman’s subconscious we are able to explore the cathartic nature of artistic creation and the ways in which it can offer a sense of purpose, as well as the danger and risk to one’s sense of self.” said director Dan Abramovici. 

Watch the official trailer for ‘Spaceman’.

Spaceman joins the ranks of Damni (starring Riz Ahmed), The Brown Dog (with Steve Buscemi), and other selections at the 20th annual HollyShorts Film Festival taking place from August 8-18, 2024.