Stoned for Christmas, 14min., USA
Directed by Morgan Young
"Stoned for Christmas" is a multimedia whirlwind and a love letter to weed. This short film follows the adventures of one cannabis courier delivering at Christmastime.

https://instagram.com/stonedforxmas

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Stoned for Christmas is the culmination of my personal journey: my professional work in animated children's television pushed into an adult, stoner space that prioritizes comedy. This short is my first foray into adult comedy and animation. I was inspired by shows like Smiling Friends and YOLO: Crystal Fantasy to create a visual world that was looser and more varied in style. I wasn't interested in polished continuity -- I wanted to experiment with difference in animation style and how the shifts can actually enhance the story.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I wrote the first draft of the script in December 2021, so it took almost exactly three years from inception to completion! We've now been on the festival circuit for three months since our premiere at Chicago Shorts at the beginning of March 2025.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Blunt rotation!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
It was a lot of juggling, which I generally enjoy! Each artist was working independently on their own sections. As the only person with eyes on every piece, I was responsible for making the story flow when it was all pieced together in the end. It worked, but it was definitely tricky!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was so overjoyed to see people understood, connected with, and enjoyed the film! I also always think it's interesting to see how people interpret the Courier's gender, as they're a gender non-conforming character and a little open to interpretation.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I've always been a cartoon enthusiast, but I realized I wanted to create my own animated stories when I broke into children's television. I was so enamored with the detail and care that is poured into this level of visual storytelling. Animation allows for endless possibilities and really maximizes creativity -- as a storyteller, there's no limits!

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Probably Oceans 11 or School of Rock.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I love when festivals offer a networking platform, especially when the festival is virtual and it's harder to connect in person. I love being able to discuss the films with fellow filmmakers and hear them speak about their work.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It's pretty straight forward! I appreciate the organization and clarity of the platform, and the ease of submitting to multiple festivals at once.

10. What is your favorite meal?
My dad's homemade pizza -- growing up, my family made it every Friday and watched a movie!

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I'm working on a few different projects: a mixed-media children's book about witches, a weed-driven music video starring puppet pop star Comfy, and my first pilot script for an original animated adult comedy series. I love wearing multiple hats at once and I'm so grateful to be able to work on all of these pieces!