“The Ningyo,” Filmed by VFX Couple in Their Own Home, Wows with Lovecraftian Wonder (Things We Love)

Los Angeles-based VFX artist couple Tran Ma and Miguel Ortega have done something incredible: created a fantastic, stunning film, THE NINGYO, shot almost entirely within the comfort of their own home. Made for $60,000, the film hails from a successful Kickstarter campaign, and can currently be seen in limited screenings while Ma and Ortega work on developing the story as a television series.

With elements of H.P. Lovecraft and Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, the story is a tale of cryptozoology in 19th century California and follows a man’s search for a Japanese mythical beast. One of the more famous folk tales of the ningyo focuses on a girl who eats the unusual fish-like creature and winds up becoming immortal, living through the deaths of several loved ones before finally taking her own life after 800 years.

Ma and Ortega, who have worked on films like Thor and Avatar in the past, spent three years on the film, building, destroying, and rebuilding various sets throughout their house.

Watch the trailer for the film below and find out more about the project at their Facebook page.

Anya Crittenton | Associate Editor