Sander Joon’s Short ‘Sierra,’ Winner Of Over 40 Awards, Debuts Online

Sander Joon’s touching, hilarious, and internationally acclaimed film Sierra has debuted online.

Sierra centers on an auto-racing-obsessed father who sneaks his young son out — behind the mother’s back — to participate in an unusual car race.

Visually, Sierra captivates with its striking, colorful, and rough design style, complemented by a steady dose of deadpan humor and absurdity. What sets the film apart — especially within the context of Estonian animation — is its heart. While Estonian animators are far from creating soulless films, Sierra feels uniquely personal. The film even features a stop-motion scene created by Joon’s father in the 1980s, adding a nostalgic and intimate touch.

At its core, Sierra is a poignant exploration of the relationship between parents and children, particularly the often misguided attempts of parents to impose their passions and interests on their kids. Funny, surreal, and deeply moving, the film ultimately resonates as a universal story about love, connection, and the need for compassion.

Sierra has been screened at over 100 festivals and has received more than 40 awards, including recognition at Clermont-Ferrand, GLAS (Audience Award), Palm Springs (Best of the Festival), Fantoche (New Talent), Ottawa (Public Prize), and Tallinn Black Nights (Jury Mention). The film was also shortlisted for best animated short at the 2023 Oscars.

Joon is known for his award-winning animations Velodrool, Moulinet, and Sounds Good. He has taught animation at the Estonian Academy of Arts and, in 2023, was honored with the Young Cultural Figure Award by the Estonian president for his contributions to Estonian culture.

Sierra was co-produced by Erik Heinsalu (Bop! Animation) and Aurelia Aasa (AAA Creative).