perfectly a strangeness

a film by Alison McAlpine

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“One of the most cinematic documentaries of the year”

— Matthew Carey, Deadline

“Pushes the boundaries of what documentaries are.”

— Michael Ordoña, LA Times

“A beautifully reflective film. Quiet. Evocative.”

— William Bibbiani, The Wrap

“Cinematic Reverie”

— Etan Vlessing, Hollywood Reporter

“A true stand-out original… rich, complex, and fun to explore…”

— Pat Mullen, POV Magazine

“A breathtakingly beautiful piece of work.”

— Jennie Kermode, Eye for Film

“…a dazzling cosmic display of overwhelming beauty and mystery.”

— Criterion Channel

perfectly a strangeness premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, Official Competition 2024 and has since traveled to TIFF, IDFA “Best of Fests” and over 100 international film festivals and cinemas, playing in 34 countries, winning 24 awards.

perfectly a strangeness was nominated by Cinema Eye Honors, Best Nonfiction Short Film 2026 and has been nominated by the Academy Awards® 2026, Best Short Documentary Film.

Synopsis

In the dazzling incandescence of an unknown desert, three donkeys discover an abandoned astronomical observatory and the universe. A sensorial, cinematic exploration of what a story can be.

Short film – Québec, Canada – 2024 – 15 min
Colour | No dialogue | Cinemascope | 5.1

Cast

Palomo, Ruperto & Palaye

Credits

director, writer, producer Alison McAlpine
editor Carolina Siraqyan
director of photography Nicolas Canniccioni
music Ben Grossman
sound Samuel Gagnon-Thibodeau
mix Stéphane Bergeron
visual effects Charles Marchand
colour Marc Boucrot

produced by Second Sight Pictures
in association with GreenGround Productions

Website Press Kit

Where to watch

Criterion Channel

CRAVE

Kanopy