After the success of 2020’s live-action opera short, The Narcissistic Fish, Scottish Opera is excited to present its first-ever animated opera short, Josefine. 

This 14-minute film, inspired by Franz Kafka’s last short story ‘Josefine the Singer’ and produced in partnership with Maestro Broadcasting, is directed by Scottish Opera’s resident filmmaker Antonia Bain and composed by former Emerging Artist Composer-in-Residence Samuel Bordoli, with a libretto co-authored by the pair. The soundtrack features 2022/23 Emerging Artist Zoe Drummond, a chorus, and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera conducted by Susannah Wapshott.  

By combining the mediums of opera and animation, Josefine promises a new and exciting way to experience and explore both art forms. Josefine takes place in a desert world designed and animated by a team headed by Sophie Bird. Here, a creature’s unearthly voice attracts sprites who are enthralled by it. The piece explores the complicated relationship between the singer and audience and the ever-more-relevant question of art’s place in times of crisis.

With confirmed screenings at the Film Festival at Vienna’s Rathausplatz in summer 2024, as well as other dates to be announced, Josefine is coming soon to a screen near you.

Kindly supported by Scottish Opera's New Commissions Circle
Part of Scottish Opera's 2024/25 Season
Order a hard copy of the new Season brochure>>