passenger
an anime-inspired short about a vengeful spirit
overview
Funded by Ffilm Cymru Wales, BBC Wales, and BFI Network Wales, Passenger is the very first original short film created by Sun & Moon Studios. Written and directed by Nia Alavezos, this anime-inspired tale follows Cora, a young woman whose everyday life takes a turn for the bizarre when a vengeful spirit tries to hitch a ride in her body.
What starts as a supernatural battle of wills soon morphs into something stranger: a dysfunctional bond between two unlikely companions. Drawing on personal experiences of struggle and resilience, Passenger blends supernatural tension with a deeply human core.
emotion through colour
One of the main challenges of Passenger was visually capturing the shifting relationship between Cora and the Spirit. The colour script was essential to guide the emotional arc of the film. Early scenes are bright and open, gradually giving way to darker, more oppressive palettes as Cora falls into a sense of hopelessness.
In the final moments, a return to warm daylight hints at the the return of hope for the future. This progression of tone and colour helped anchor the story and gave the audience a clear path through Cora’s internal journey.
a score with spirit
Music played a powerful role in bringing Passenger to life. Composer Jordan Rees created an original score that combined modern cinematic sounds with Japanese influences, including the distinctive sound of the shamisen.
Performed by live players, the soundtrack dances between tension, melancholy, and playful mischief, capturing both the film’s supernatural stakes and its wry sense of humour. Whether it’s an intense face-off or an awkward truce between Cora and her ghostly co-pilot, the music always knew exactly what feeling to land on.
result
Passenger has been screened at festivals around the world, was nominated for 'Best Animation' at Carmarthen Bay Film Festival and was awarded 'Best Welsh Animation' at Focus Wales 2025. For everyone at Sun & Moon, it was a project that felt profoundly personal, hitting us in the feels every time we reviewed it. Nia’s vision and storytelling struck a chord that stayed with us long after production wrapped. The film can be found on BBC iPlayer and we’re immensely proud to have shared Passenger with the world.
