A tender tale about grief, purpose, and the quiet magic of hope.

ANIMATED SHORT FILM

Based on the award-winning children’s book by Leigh Marino, To Be A Christmas Tree follows a young evergreen who learns that even the smallest life can shine with meaning. This animated short is crafted for children and adults alike, exploring themes of grief, loss, hope, and finding purpose in unlikely places.

About the Film

Illustration of three people dancing around a Christmas tree with ornaments, candles, and garlands inside a book.

Director’s Statement

“Stories have a quiet power to slip past our defenses and settle deep inside, planting seeds of hope and courage. They shape the way we see ourselves and the world, often without us even realizing it.

This animated short is more than an adaptation of my book — it’s an offering. It’s a reminder that every life has purpose, even when we feel unseen or small.

Through hand-crafted visuals and a timeless tone, we’re creating a space where audiences can feel, remember, and begin to mend. My hope is that this film will meet people where words can’t touch, opening gentle conversations in families, classrooms, and therapy circles alike.

Whether you’re raising a child or tending to your inner one, this story has the power to ignite the heart and inspire the mind.”
— Leigh Marino, Writer & Director

Meet Our Team

  • A woman with shoulder-length curly brown hair wearing pink glasses, earrings, a black and beige striped shirt, and blue jeans sitting indoors on a yellow couch.

    Leigh Marino

    WRITER / DIRECTOR

  • A man with short dark hair and a light beard wearing a colorful striped polo shirt standing outdoors with buildings, a red vehicle, and streetlights in the background during sunset.

    Vishal Solanki

    PRODUCER

  • Close-up of a woman with dark brown hair, wearing a white top and a gold necklace, smiling softly outdoors against a blurred natural background.

    Tricia Kleinot

    ILLUSTRATOR / VISUAL CONSULTANT

Visual Style

Handcrafted animation with a warm, timeless feel — classic storytelling for modern hearts.

A watercolor painting of a tree branch with a teardrop-shaped container hanging from it. Inside the container is a snowy forest scene with tall pine trees and a small figure walking on a snow-covered path.
A digital illustration showing a hand holding a small planet or moon, with a hand holding a string attached to a ball, against a dark background with glowing lights.
A painted illustration of a tree's face in profile, set against a warm brown background with feather and light effects.

Where We Are Now

This film is in active development. We’re bringing this heartfelt story from page to screen, and will be sharing behind-the-scenes updates, concept art, and ways for supporters to help bring this vision to life. Sign up below to learn how you can be involved in an essential part of the journey.

Your support makes all the difference.