Isaiah Saxon's 'The Legend of Ochi' Premieres at Sundance, Showcasing a Visually Stunning Fantasy World

The debut feature blends practical effects, puppetry, and digital artistry to tell a heartfelt story of connection between a girl and a mythical creature.

Isaiah Saxon's 'The Legend of Ochi' premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is set for theatrical release on April 25 by A24.
The film follows Yuri, a girl who befriends a wounded baby Ochi, a mysterious primate species feared by her community, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and belonging.
The movie's aesthetic draws inspiration from classic fantasy films of the '80s and '90s, combining practical effects, animatronics, and matte paintings with selective CG enhancements.
Saxon collaborated with John Nolan Studios to create lifelike Ochi puppets, emphasizing a tactile, in-camera approach to creature design and performance.
Set in the fictional island of Carpathia, the film explores themes of family, identity, and humanity's relationship with nature in a richly detailed and immersive world.