Gargoyle Doyle

TIFF65: Greek Premiere

Doyle is a self-important gargoyle with a chip on his shoulder – quite literally, as he was damaged during installation on the cathedral. Relegated to a forgotten back alcove, Doyle finds himself stuck next to Chet, a decorative metal rain gutter who never shuts up. The pair watch the world change around them for 800 years as their alcove falls into disrepair. As bulldozers surround the cathedral, ready for demolition, both must confront who they really are and what their lives add up to.

Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.

Direction: Ethan Shaftel

Script: Ethan Shaftel, Josh Covitt

Sound: Patrick Joyner

Music: McKenzie Stubbert

Actors: Jason Isaacs, Haley Joel Osment, T'Nia Miller

Producers: Ezequiel Lenardon, Ethan Shaftel

Co-production: Detona Cultura & Amilux Film

Co-producers: Ezequiel Lenardon

Format: VR

Production Country: USA, Argentina, Austria

Production Year: 2023

Duration: 40'

Contact: wanchen@astreaimmersive.io

Ethan Shaftel

Ethan Shaftel is an award-winning filmmaker whose work bridges cinema, interactive design, and immersive media. His films, virtual reality narratives, and interactive experiences have appeared at Sundance, Tribeca, SIGGRAPH, Annecy, and other high-profile festivals in the US, Europe, and Asia. His most recent work is Gargoyle Doyle, a mix of virtual and augmented reality storytelling starring Jason Isaacs and Haley Joel Osment, which was an official selection of the Venice International Film Festival and winner of the Cristal for Best VR work at Annecy Animation Festival in 2024. Before VR, Ethan created dozens of film and interactive projects, including music videos and tour content for artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and Jay Z.