While audiences await David Lowery‘s next feature, “Mother Mary,” in theaters next year, here’s a short by the director to tide everyone over. Inspired by true events (and produced by Alfonso Cuarón), “An Almost Christmas Story” tells the story of the unlikely bond between a lost girl and a young owl as the holiday season hits NYC.
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Here’s an official synopsis for “An Almost Christmas Story”:
Moon, a curious young owl, finds herself trapped in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Trying to escape the city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on an adventure.
“An Almost Christmas Story” marks the capstone of Cuarón’s trilogy of Christmas-themed shorts; the other two, 2023’s “The Shepherd” and Alice Rohrwacher‘s “Le Pupile,” from 2022, are available to stream on Disney+ now.
The voice cast for “An Almost Christmas Story” includes Cary Christopher, Estella Madrigal, Jim Gaffigan, and Mamoudou Athie.  Alex Ross Perry, Gianna Joseph, Phil Rosenthal, and Natasha Lyonne round out the main cast. Meanwhile, John C. Reilly also stars as The Folk Singer, and performs four songs in the short, including two original compositions.
Along with directing, Lowery writes the screenplay for “An Almost Christmas Story,” and serves as co-producer with Cuarón, who also receives a story credit.  Jack Thorne also works on the screenplay and story.  Gabriela Rodríguez also produces, with Nicholas Ashe Bateman serving as creative designer.  Daniel Hart composes music for the short.  “An Almost Christmas Story” is a Disney Branded Television and Esperanto Filmoj production, in association with Titmouse and Maere Studios, with animation services by 88 Pictures.
Lowery will be in attendance for a Q&A after a screening of “An Almost Christmas Movie” at the Animated Is Film Festival on October 20, at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Los Angeles. The short then premieres on Disney+ On November 15. Watch a trailer for “An Almost Christmas Movie” below.