Down in the Dumps

A film by Vera van Wolferen

Cinelli, a neurotic and perfectionist ladybug, is meticulously preparing for her upcoming birthday party. Everything must be flawless – nothing less will do! Her awkward and unpopular neighbor, Peri, a clumsy cockroach, also wants to come to her birthday party. Fearing he’ll ruin the party, Cinelli doesn’t invite him, wounding Peri’s pride. Out of spite, he decides to steal Cinelli’s cherished red shell, her symbol of perfection.
The next day, when Cinelli realizes her precious shell is missing, she falls into a deep depression. Without her shell, what’s the point of anything? She sinks into a dark tunnel, her subconscious mind, where she’s taunted by Obius, a sinister centipede that embodies her self-destructive tendencies.
Meanwhile, Peri begins to realize that wearing Cinelli’s perfect life – and her red shell – is suffocating. Understanding the toll it takes on her, he decides to look for Cinelli and return it.

Producer – Chris Stenger – Family Affair Films (The Netherlands)
Festival Distribution – Kapitein Kort (The Netherlands)
International Sales – Bear with Me Distribution (Slovakia)